Shedeur Sanders Set to Take First-Team Reps as Browns Prepare for Saints Amid Deshaun Watson Concussion Protocol

Shedeur Sanders is taking first-team repetitions at quarterback for the Cleveland Browns this week as the team prepares for a Sunday, November 8 road game against the New Orleans Saints. The adjustment comes after starting quarterback Deshaun Watson was placed in the NFL’s concussion protocol, a development confirmed by the team on Wednesday.

Deshaun Watson in Concussion Protocol

The status of the Browns' starting quarterback remains uncertain as he completes the league’s mandatory five-step return-to-play process. According to team reports, Watson was cleared by an unaffiliated neurotrauma consultant during last Sunday’s 27-6 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers and passed subsequent evaluations on Monday morning. He reported symptoms, including a headache, on Monday night and alerted medical staff on Tuesday, leading to his placement in the protocol on Wednesday, DAZN reported. Watson suffered a helmet-to-helmet hit during the first quarter of the Pittsburgh game, but was initially cleared to return to play. Head coach Todd Monken praised Watson for his transparency, stating, “Credit to him as someone who really loves playing the game.”

Head coach Todd Monken has not officially ruled Watson out for the Week 9 matchup. However, Monken noted the inherent challenges for a quarterback trying to return to the field while missing practice time. “If you’re not able to take the team reps and the throwing reps, how do you get the timing down with your receivers?” Monken said. “I’m just saying it’s very difficult that way.” Monken further emphasized that the return process is uniquely challenging for a signal-caller compared to other positions due to the mental demands and coordination required.

Shedeur Sanders Prepares with the First Team

Sanders, a 2025 fifth-round draft pick, received the primary snaps during Wednesday’s practice. This opportunity marks a major change for the second-year player, who has served as the backup for the duration of the 2026 season. After losing the starting competition to Watson on August 24, Sanders has seen limited action, completing all three of his pass attempts for 2 yards this year, according to Sportskeeda. Throughout the season, he has continued working after practices with a group of younger players known as the “Hungry Dawgs.”

The coaching staff is integrating additional walkthroughs and meetings to ensure Sanders is prepared should he be required to start. Monken indicated that the team’s offensive game plan remains largely unchanged, as the staff believes the skill sets of Watson and Sanders allow for a consistent approach. The primary goal for the offense this week is ensuring Sanders can effectively manage the huddle, call adjustments, and establish rhythm with the receiving corps. “We’ve prepared the game plan envisioning that Shedeur would be our starter,” Monken noted, adding that he is eager to see the quarterback “let it rip.”

Experience from the 2025 Season

This week’s preparation offers Sanders a different environment than he experienced during his rookie campaign. In 2025, he started the final seven games of the season, finishing with a 3-4 record, 1,400 passing yards, seven touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. Unlike his previous elevation to the starting role, he now has the benefit of a full week of practice with the first-team offense. Sanders noted that he has been preparing diligently every week as if he were the starter, a mindset he maintained even before the most recent game against Pittsburgh, where he replaced Watson during the opening possession.

“Last year I was able to see and feel different things during the games to understand where I needed to get better at,” Sanders said. “Definitely want to thank the whole coaching staff, Andrew Berry, everybody a part of the organization to give me another chance to be here.”

Browns Rule Out Trading Sanders Before Deadline

The upcoming game serves as a test for Sanders, particularly following recent questions regarding his position on the quarterback depth chart after the return of Dillon Gabriel from the injured reserve list on October 27. Despite speculation regarding his future, the Browns have reportedly indicated they have no interest in trading Sanders before the November 10 deadline.

When asked if Sanders could secure the starting job long-term with a strong performance, Monken was decisive. “I would assume Deshaun is still our starter when he’s healthy,” Monken said. “He’s started eight games.”

The team continues to evaluate Watson’s status on a day-to-day basis as the Browns prepare for the game in New Orleans.

More on this story: Deshaun Watson Enters Concussion Protocol, Shedeur Sanders in Line to Start for Browns · Watson reports concussion symptoms; Browns place QB in protocol, Sanders awaits first start

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