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Browns to start Shedeur Sanders at quarterback as Deshaun Watson remains in concussion protocol
Shedeur Sanders will make his first start of the season for the Cleveland Browns after Deshaun Watson missed the week’s practices while in concussion protocol. Coach Todd Monken said Sanders would start even if Watson is cleared before Sunday, citing Sanders’ confidence and performance in practice.
Sanders, 24, completed two passes for two yards during a brief appearance last week, when Watson left for a concussion evaluation and later returned after being cleared. Sanders started the final seven games of his rookie season, going 3-4 and throwing for 1,400 yards, seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions, with a 56.2 per cent completion rate. The 5-3 Browns are seeking to avoid consecutive defeats against the 2-5 New Orleans Saints, who rank 28th in total defence and 23rd against the pass.
In short
- Sanders gets his first Browns start this season.
- Watson remains in concussion protocol after missing practice.
- Cleveland faces New Orleans on Sunday.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Starting Sanders gives the Browns a chance to build on his confidence and practice performances, while allowing the offence to prepare around one quarterback regardless of Watson’s clearance. His experience starting seven games last season may also make him a credible option against a Saints defence that has struggled against the pass.
The case against
Keeping Watson as the starter if he is medically cleared could preserve continuity with the established quarterback and avoid making a change based on limited recent evidence. Sanders’ rookie record included more interceptions than touchdowns and a low completion rate, so the Browns could reasonably prefer to wait for stronger evidence that he is ready to lead the team.