Cleveland Browns fans itching for Shedeur Sanders to get an opportunity to play in 2026 could get their wish in Week 9.
The Browns announced Wednesday morning that starting quarterback Deshaun Watson has been placed in concussion protocol after he self-reported symptoms.
“On Tuesday morning, he reported to the medical staff that he began experiencing concussion symptoms Monday night and was immediately placed in the concussion protocol.”
The Browns travel to Louisiana to play the New Orleans Saints on Sunday. Given the nature of the quarterback position, Watson could have a hard time starting that game for Cleveland if he’s unable to practice this week.
Browns announce that Deshaun Watson has been placed in the concussion protocol.
— Daniel Oyefusi (@DanielOyefusi) November 4, 2026
Cleveland plays the Saints on Sunday. Shedeur Sanders would be in line to start if Watson cannot clear in time. https://t.co/cpO1uEFVyZ
Sanders has been operating as Cleveland’s top backup this season and played briefly in Week 8 against the Steelers after Watson took a helmet-to-helmet hit. Watson missed the remainder of that drive but was able to return for the Browns’ next series.
Watson showed no concussion symptoms during or after the game, the team said.
“As part of the protocol, the team’s medical staff evaluated him again postgame and Monday morning. Both times he showed no symptoms, passed his evaluations, and was cleared.”
Shedeur Sanders could finally get the Browns opportunity he’s been waiting for
It’s worth noting that Watson has not been ruled out for Sunday’s game. Last week, right tackle Tytus Howard missed practice Wednesday through Friday, participated in a walkthrough on Saturday, and was cleared to play against the Steelers.
The quarterback position is a lot more complicated, though. If Sanders ends up taking all of the first-team reps this week as Watson works through the NFL’s five-step protocol, the team could easily decide to let Sanders start against the Saints whether or not Watson gets cleared.
This news comes at an interesting time, too, as Watson took eight sacks against Pittsburgh and did not play well despite passing for over 300 yards. Aside from some late heroics — Watson has an NFL-leading five game-winning drives this season — Cleveland’s quarterback play has been well below average this season.
In a way, this is what Sanders has been waiting for: an opportunity to take first-team reps in practice and start his first game since the end of the 2025 season. He made seven starts last year as a fifth-round rookie, won three games, and flashed enough upside to challenge for the job this year. He was announced as the backup to Watson in August, the Monday after Cleveland’s second preseason game.
The quarterback competition isn’t back “on.” The job is Watson’s right now, at least for the remainder of the 2026 season.
But Week 9 could be Sanders’ chance to play, in what will be the Browns’ final game before the Nov. 10 trade deadline.
The Browns have been must-see TV early this season and they certainly will be again on Sunday.
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