Shedeur Sanders to make first start of the season for Browns against Saints

Shedeur Sanders will make his first start of the season for the Cleveland Browns in Sunday's road game against the New Orleans Saints. Coach Todd Monken announced the assignment Friday, Nov. 6, 2026, Daniel Oyefusi reported for ESPN.

Deshaun Watson remained in concussion protocol and was listed as questionable, ESPN reported. He had not been cleared, and Monken had not decided whether Watson would serve as Sanders' backup.

Sanders took all the starting practice reps during the week after Watson self-reported concussion symptoms Tuesday morning and entered the protocol, according to ESPN. Sanders had attempted only three passes in spot appearances across two games this season. His regular-season practice reps had been limited, though he split first-team reps during Cleveland's quarterback competition in training camp.

This is a return to the starting lineup, not Sanders' first NFL start. The 2025 fifth-round pick made seven starts as a rookie and went 3-4 in those games. ESPN reported that he completed 56.6% of his passes for 1,400 yards, seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions during his rookie season.