Browns Name Shedeur Sanders Starter vs. Saints With Watson Still in Concussion Protocol
Todd Monken is starting Shedeur Sanders for the first time this season Sunday in New Orleans as Deshaun Watson remains in the concussion protocol
The Browns have their quarterback for Sunday in New Orleans. Coach Todd Monken named Shedeur Sanders the starter against the Saints, with Deshaun Watson still working back from a concussion, Ian Rapoport reported Friday.
Monken's message was blunt: he's fired up to see Sanders play. Watson returned to practice on a limited basis Friday after missing two days, but he has not cleared the concussion protocol and missed enough work that Cleveland prepared Sanders to start all week. Adam Schefter noted it will be Sanders' first start of the season.
#Browns coach Todd Monken names QB Shedeur Sanders the starter this week, with Deshaun Watson coming back from a concussion: "I'm fired up to see him play."View on X →
Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet): #Browns coach Todd Monken names QB Shedeur Sanders the starter this week, with Deshaun Watson coming back from a concussion: "I'm fired up to see him play."
Cleveland (5-3) sits in the thick of the AFC North race and heads to the Caesars Superdome to face a Saints team that is 2-5. Sanders, the No. 2 overall pick in April, has barely been used — three completions on three attempts for 2 yards — while Watson has started every game. The Watson concussion and Sanders-in-line report dropped Wednesday; Friday made it official.
A strong showing against New Orleans could keep the job in Sanders' hands even if Watson clears protocol next week. Kickoff is Sunday at 1 p.m. ET.