Cleveland Browns coach Todd Monken announced Friday that rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders will make his first start of the 2026 season in Sunday's road game against the New Orleans Saints.
Sanders replaces Deshaun Watson, who is listed as questionable after entering the concussion protocol following last week's 27-6 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Watson returned to practice Friday as a limited participant but was sacked eight times and left the game early after a hit from Steelers defensive back Jaquan Brisker.
In relief, Sanders completed both of his two pass attempts for two yards. Watson, 31, had thrown for a season-high 324 yards on 27-of-39 passing but failed to lead the offense to a touchdown. He won the starting job over Sanders during the summer and has guided Cleveland to a 5-3 record, placing them third in the AFC North behind Pittsburgh (6-2) and Cincinnati (5-2).
Sanders, a 2025 fifth-round pick, had attempted only three passes in the first eight games. Last season he earned Pro Bowl alternate honors while making seven starts, posting a 3-4 record with a 56.6% completion rate, seven touchdowns and ten interceptions.
The Browns will face a Saints defense that ranks 29th in points allowed, 24th in rushing yards allowed, 29th in passing yards allowed and last in the NFL in third-down efficiency.
