Key Takeaways
- Shedeur Sanders could start against the New Orleans Saints after Deshaun Watson entered concussion protocol following Cleveland’s 27-6 loss to Pittsburgh.
- Sanders went 3-4 as a rookie starter with seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions before losing this season’s quarterback competition to Watson.
- The 5-3 Browns share the AFC’s final playoff spot with New England, raising the stakes for Sanders’ potential return to the starting lineup.
Shedeur Sanders may get another shot at leading the Cleveland Browns after Deshaun Watson suffered a concussion in the team's 27-6 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. With Cleveland fighting for a playoff spot, Sanders could return to the starting lineup when the Browns face the New Orleans Saints this weekend.
According to The New York Post, Watson took a helmet-to-helmet hit from Steelers defensive back Jaquan Brisker during Sunday's game. Although team doctors initially examined him on the sidelines and checked him again, Watson began experiencing concussion symptoms later that night.
"On Tuesday morning he reported to the medical staff that he began experiencing concussion symptoms Monday night and was immediately placed in the concussion protocol," the Browns said in a statement.
Sanders stepped in briefly against Pittsburgh, completing both of his passes for two yards. Now, depending on Watson's recovery, he could be asked to take over an offense that has helped Cleveland build a surprising 5-3 record through eight games.
The Browns are currently tied with the New England Patriots at 5-3, though New England holds the AFC's final playoff spot, making their matchup against New Orleans particularly important.
It's also a familiar situation for Sanders, who spent much of his rookie season waiting for an opportunity to play.
Last year, the former Colorado quarterback began the season behind fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel before eventually getting his chance when Gabriel suffered a concussion. Sanders went 3-4 in seven starts, throwing for 1,400 yards across eight appearances, with seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions.
He finished the season with victories over Pittsburgh and Cincinnati, but that wasn't enough to secure the starting job heading into 2026.
New Browns coach Todd Monken ultimately chose Watson over Sanders following a lengthy competition during training camp.
"I think Shedeur has done a great job, come a long ways and we are excited about his future," Monken said when announcing his decision in August.
Watson, meanwhile, returned this season after missing all of 2025 while recovering from an Achilles injury. Through eight games, he has thrown for 1,806 yards, seven touchdowns, and three interceptions.
Sanders' future in Cleveland had previously been questioned after reports surfaced that other NFL teams were interested in acquiring him. ESPN Cleveland's Tony Rizzo claimed over the summer that teams were making calls about the quarterback, although no deal materialized.
The Browns have since indicated they have no plans to trade Sanders, despite continued questions about how he fits into the team's future.
The 24-year-old has also remained one of the NFL's most recognizable young players. After slipping to the fifth round of the 2025 draft, Sanders earned a Pro Bowl replacement selection and reportedly collected a record $17.7 million in NFL licensing income during his rookie season.
