Cleveland Browns: Shedeur Sanders to start against New Orleans

Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken confirmed on Friday that Shedeur Sanders will start at quarterback in the team's Sunday road game against the New Orleans Saints. The decision follows Deshaun Watson's continued placement in the concussion protocol.

Watson reported symptoms on Tuesday morning and is currently listed as questionable for the matchup. Monken has not yet decided if Watson will serve as the backup on Sunday, a choice that depends on final clearance from the medical staff.

Sanders, a fifth-round selection in the 2025 NFL Draft, took all starting reps during practice sessions this week. This will be his first start of the current season. In his rookie campaign last year, Sanders started seven games. He completed 56.6 percent of his passes for 1,400 yards, threw seven touchdowns, and had ten interceptions. His record in those games was three wins and four losses.

The quarterback has seen limited action in the current season, attempting only three passes in spot appearances across two games. He also received limited regular season practice reps, though he did split reps with the first offense during training camp competition.

Sanders said he used his first year to identify specific areas for improvement. "Last year, I was able to see what I needed to see, feel different things during the games and understand what I need to get better at," Sanders said Wednesday. He added that he has worked on those aspects during the offseason and training camp.

Monken praised Sanders for his diligence and natural confidence. The coach noted improvements in Sanders' footwork, drops, mechanics, and understanding of where to take the ball. Monken also pointed to an increased sense of urgency in working through progressions and protections. "There were so many things he needed to work on, and he's done that like any young player," Monken said. He explained that the team opened up the competition in camp because of Sanders' upward trajectory.

Dillon Gabriel, who returned from injured reserve last week, is a potential option for the backup role. Gabriel served as the emergency quarterback in Week 8. Rookie Taylen Green, a sixth-round pick, will return to the emergency quarterback role for the first seven games of the season while Watson is sidelined.