Browns to Start Shedeur Sanders Sunday
Sanders is in line to start Sunday in New Orleans after Deshaun Watson was placed in concussion protocol.
Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Football
The Cleveland Browns are expected to start Shedeur Sanders at quarterback Sunday after Deshaun Watson was placed in the concussion protocol. The game would be Sanders' first start of his second season.
Why it matters
The start gives Sanders a chance to show what he can do in Todd Monken's offense while the Browns' starting quarterback position is in question. It also tests the depth behind the team's primary quarterback.
Sanders would make his first start of his second season, marking a single-game opportunity in the Browns' offense. Watson's status for Sunday remains unconfirmed pending his progression through the concussion protocol.
The players
Shedeur Sanders
Sanders is a quarterback for the Cleveland Browns, entering his second NFL season after being drafted in 2025.
Deshaun Watson
Watson is a veteran quarterback for the Cleveland Browns who has been placed in the NFL concussion protocol.
Todd Monken
Monken is the offensive coordinator for the Cleveland Browns, overseeing the team's offensive scheme.
The details
Watson was placed in the concussion protocol, opening the door for Sanders to take over as the starter. The Browns are scheduled to face the Saints in New Orleans on Sunday.
Timeline
November 5, 2026: Podcast published discussing Sanders' expected start.
Sunday: Browns expected to play in New Orleans with Sanders at quarterback.
Season Trajectory
The concussion protocol under the NFL's head injury policy is forcing the Browns to rely on their backup quarterback, testing the depth behind their primary starter. Sanders' opportunity comes at a point where the team's quarterback depth is being evaluated in real game conditions.
If Sanders starts, fantasy managers will need to re-evaluate Browns passing projections around a backup quarterback. The game also determines whether Sanders gets additional starts while Watson recovers from the concussion protocol.
The takeaway
Backup quarterbacks often face the first real test of their readiness when a starter is sidelined by injury. Sanders' performance Sunday will offer an early read on how he handles the Browns' offense under real pressure.
What happens next
The Browns face the Saints in New Orleans on Sunday, when Sanders is expected to start if Watson does not clear the concussion protocol.
Further reading
For more on the team's season, see Football coverage of the Cleveland Browns.
