Result: The Saints beat the Browns 23-22 in overtime. After New Orleans scored in OT, Harold Fannin Jr. caught a long touchdown, but Sanders’ two-point pass for the win fell incomplete. All Week 9 scores.
Shedeur Sanders is back in the starting lineup. Browns head coach Todd Monken said on Friday that Sanders will start Sunday’s game at the New Orleans Saints, because Deshaun Watson is in the concussion protocol.
Why Sanders is starting
- Watson reported concussion symptoms on Tuesday morning and went into the NFL’s concussion protocol.
- He is listed as questionable but has not been cleared.
- Monken has not decided whether Watson will be the backup if he is cleared.
Monken praised Sanders, calling him "very diligent." He said the young quarterback has improved his footwork, his drops and his mechanics.
Sanders by the numbers
| Drafted | 2025, 5th round |
| Rookie starts (2025) | 7 (3-4 record) |
| 2025 passing | 56.6%, 1,400 yards, 7 TD, 10 INT |
| 2026 so far | 3 pass attempts in two games |
This will be his first start of the 2026 season.
The Browns’ quarterback plan
| Quarterback | Role on Sunday |
|---|---|
| Shedeur Sanders | Starter |
| Deshaun Watson | Questionable (concussion) |
| Dillon Gabriel | Back from injured reserve; possible backup |
| Taylen Green | Rookie; emergency QB if Watson can’t play |
Why it matters
Cleveland’s offense struggled in its 27-6 loss to Pittsburgh in Week 8. The Steelers sacked Watson eight times, and the Browns fell from 10th to 16th in the Week 9 power rankings. Sanders gives the Browns a new look. A good game could start a real quarterback debate in Cleveland.
On the other side, Saints rookie receiver Jordyn Tyson is questionable but could make his NFL debut. Browns DT Maliek Collins is out with an elbow injury.
How to watch Browns at Saints
| When | Sunday, Nov. 8, 1:00 pm ET |
| Where | Caesars Superdome, New Orleans |
| TV | CBS (stream on Paramount+) |
| Sri Lanka / India | 11:30 pm Sunday |
More Week 9 news: final injury report and full schedule.
Sources: ESPN – Browns to start Sanders vs. Saints, NFL.com – Sanders to start with Watson in protocol, CBS Sports – Week 9 injury report.
