Denzel Ward is the consummate teammate for the Cleveland Browns. When Deshaun Watson was named the Week 1 starting quarterback, Ward threw his full support behind the veteran and has continued to speak highly of his leadership and playmaking ability throughout the team’s 5-3 start.
But with the Browns announcing Wednesday that Watson has entered the NFL’s concussion protocol after self-reporting symptoms on Monday night, Ward wasn’t shy to talk up Shedeur Sanders, who would be in line to start this week’s road game against the New Orleans Saints if Watson can’t go.
“I’m sure he’s ready,” Ward said. “He’s been doing his job. Even though he hasn’t been in there, he’s been going through his whole process and routine and everything. We have a lot of confidence in Shedeur and he’ll be ready to play once he’s out there. We always offer our support when needed, but I know he’s ready.”
Browns leaders are taking a potential Shedeur Sanders start in stride this week
Cleveland’s quarterback room has been a hot topic of conversation since the spring, when head coach Todd Monken announced an open competition between Watson and Sanders to be named the Week 1 starter.
Watson wound up winning the job under uncomfortable circumstances, days after blasting Browns fans for booing him during the team’s preseason home game against the Buffalo Bills.
It’s easy to take Ward’s words at face value and expect the team to take a potential Sanders start this week in stride, though. Sanders started seven games as a rookie in 2025, including back-to-back wins over the Steelers and Bengals to close out the season.
“That’s the NFL,” Ward said of the team’s mindset this week in the face of Watson’s injury. “The first thing that comes to my mind is next-man-up mentality, always, no matter the position — quarterback, DB. So next man up and just got to step up whoever’s out there.”
That mindset likely goes beyond Cleveland's veteran players, too.
Sanders, 24, is a second-year QB who split first-team reps throughout the spring and the majority of training camp. He was able to build a strong rapport with rookie wideouts KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston, as well as second-year speedster Isaiah Bond.
The Browns have struggled to get Boston involved in recent weeks, and Sanders' propensity to push the ball down the field could work in the star rookie's favor.
As for Concepcion, he told reporters that it's all about reestablishing the rhythm he had with Sanders prior to Watson being named the starter.
“All we have to do is get that bond back started," he said.
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