Shedeur Sanders Set to Start as Quarterback for Cleveland Browns

Shedeur Sanders will make his first start of the season as quarterback for the Cleveland Browns. Deshaun Watson has been in concussion protocol and hasn’t practiced, prompting coach Todd Monken to tap Sanders to lead the team.

Monken commended Sanders for his practice performance, highlighting his confidence and ability to manage the game effectively. I liked his confidence and the way he operated. He looked very comfortable in terms of getting our guys in and out of the huddle, and I thought he threw the ball extremely well, Monken stated.

Watson might clear concussion protocol by Saturday. However, due to his absence from practices, Sanders will start regardless. Sanders briefly appeared in last week’s game during Watson’s concussion evaluation, managing to complete two passes for a total of two yards. Although Watson returned after clearance, he later reported concussion symptoms on Monday evening.

Sanders, 24, gained valuable experience last year, starting the last seven games of his rookie season and achieving 3-4, completing 56.2% of his passes, with 1,400 yards, seven touchdowns, and ten interceptions. Despite the Browns’ quarterback competition in training camp, Watson secured the starting position.

Sanders reflected on past playing time, stating its importance. It was valuable, just tapping back into that memory bank, having those reps and everything, Sanders remarked. He expressed appreciation for the offseason training and ongoing practice with his teammates, ensuring readiness for play.

On Sunday, the Browns face the New Orleans Saints, a team currently 28th in total defense and 23rd in pass defense rankings. Holding a 5-3 record, Cleveland aims to prevent a back-to-back loss, whereas the Saints are coming off a bye week with a 2-5 record.

Ryan Canfield, a digital production assistant for Fox News Digital, contributed to this report.