The Cleveland Browns will open Sunday’s game in New Orleans with Shedeur Sanders under center, coach Todd Monken announced Friday. Sanders is getting his first start of the 2026 season after Deshaun Watson was listed as questionable following his placement in the concussion protocol after last week’s loss in Pittsburgh.
Watson returned to practice on a limited basis Friday but had been sacked eight times in the Browns’ 27-6 defeat and left early in the first quarter after a heavy hit from Steelers defensive back Jaquan Brisker. Sanders briefly took over in that game and completed both of his throws for a total of two yards. Despite playing most of the game, Watson threw a season-high 324 yards on 27-of-39 passing but the offense failed to reach the end zone.
Watson, 31, won the starting role over Sanders during training camp and, while inconsistent at times, has helped Cleveland to a surprising 5-3 start; the Browns sit third in the AFC North behind Pittsburgh (6-2) and Cincinnati (5-2). Sanders, a fifth-round pick in 2025, had thrown only three passes through Cleveland’s first eight games this year. Last season he was named a Pro Bowl alternate after making seven starts, going 3-4 as a starter with a 56.6% completion rate, seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions.
The Browns will face a New Orleans defense that has struggled this year, ranking 29th in points allowed, 24th against the run, 29th against the pass and 30th on third-down stops.
Fan Take: This is a consequential moment for Cleveland’s season — if Sanders can spark the offense against a vulnerable Saints defense, it could force the Browns to rethink their QB pecking order. For NFL fans, it’s also a reminder of how quickly injuries and matchups can reshape a team’s trajectory and the league’s quarterback narratives.
Source: www.cbssports.com
