Shedeur Sanders will start at quarterback for Cleveland in Week 9 against the New Orleans Saints, head coach Todd Monken announced.
Deshaun Watson returned to practice in a limited capacity on Friday, but remains in the concussion protocol. Monken said it’s unclear if Watson will serve as a backup this week, though he will be listed as doubtful.
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The Browns’ No. 1 quarterback took a helmet-to-helmet hit in the first quarter of Sunday’s loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Watson only took four snaps, but later reported concussion symptoms Monday night.
Sanders, who will make his first start since Week 18 of last season, made his second appearance of 2026 against Watson coming up short against the Steelers. He went 2-for-2 with 2 passing yards before being replaced. He previously entered Week 3 and threw one pass for a completion against the Carolina Panthers.
During his rookie season in 2025, Sanders made seven starts, throwing for 1,400 yards, 7 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. The Browns went 3-4 over the stretch with Sanders under center.
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“This year, I would say, I was able to see what I needed to see, to feel different in the games and to understand what I needed to do better,” Sanders said earlier this week. “So going into this offseason, we’ve been working on that camp and training and this offseason and overall I’m just excited for the opportunity.”
After the 5-3 Browns play the Saints, they will return home to take on the Houston Texans in Week 10 before a bye in Week 11.