The Cleveland Browns will start Shedeur Sanders at quarterback for their Week 9 game against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, as Deshaun Watson remains in concussion protocol. Browns head coach Todd Monken confirmed Sanders’ role as the Week 9 starter during a Friday press conference, though Watson has not been ruled out entirely for the game.
Watson’s status and Sanders’ preparation
Watson entered concussion protocol on Tuesday after reporting symptoms following a helmet-to-helmet hit in the first quarter of last Sunday’s 27-6 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. He returned to practice in a limited capacity on Friday but has not yet cleared protocol. Monken stated that Watson’s availability does not guarantee he will be the backup, emphasizing a cautious approach to his return.
Sanders, the Browns’ fifth-round pick in 2025, will make his first start of the 2026 season. He previously started seven games as a rookie in 2025, posting a 3-4 record with 1,400 passing yards, seven touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. Sanders completed 56.2% of his passes during that stretch and earned a Pro Bowl bid. He has spent the offseason preparing to address areas for improvement, telling reporters this week that he has worked on refining his game.
Monken expressed enthusiasm for Sanders’ opportunity, stating, "I'm fired up to see him play. I mean, who wouldn't be? This is what he's wanted. He wants to be a starting quarterback in the NFL." The coach emphasized that the Browns will not hold back offensively, adding, "We're gonna try to get after it Sunday and see what we got in him at quarterback and the rest of us." Monken also noted that the team’s success will depend on collective performance, not solely Sanders’ play.
Watson’s recent performance and roster context
Watson completed 65.5% of his passes for 1,806 yards, seven touchdowns, and three interceptions through eight games this season. His highest single-game passing total with the Browns came last Sunday against Pittsburgh, where he threw for 324 yards. Watson has been the team’s primary starter since joining the organization in 2022, but his availability for Week 9 remains uncertain.
The Browns (5-3) are in a tight race in the AFC North, trailing the Ravens by one game. Sanders’ debut as the Week 9 starter marks a significant moment in his development, as he seeks to build on his rookie-year experience. The Saints (2-5) enter the game after their bye week, looking to rebound from a disappointing start to the season.
The Week 9 matchup between the Browns and Saints is scheduled to kick off at 1 p.m. ET on CBS.