In an interesting twist, the more games Deshaun Watson wins at quarterback for the Cleveland Browns, the more important backup Shedeur Sanders actually becomes. If the Browns are competing for a playoff spot and Watson were to get injured, Sanders would be the one to maintain those postseason hopes.
It is certainly not the role Sanders or his legion of fans expected, as he seemed to be a real contender for the starting job well into the preseason. But it could turn out to be extremely important to the Browns this season and to his career going forward.
Heading into the Week 5 game against the New York Jets, insider Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN revealed the Browns’ plans for Sanders, as they continue to work with him to make sure he’s ready when called upon.
“The plan all along, as Monken says, has been to play the long game. The plan is to continue working with him. It’s tough for any backup, let alone a young backup quarterback, because these guys aren’t getting any No. 1 reps. All that is going towards the starter. That’s the plan right now, keep working with him behind the scenes. If anything happens, the hope is that he’d be ready to go out there and execute the offense,” Oyefusi said.
“The plan is to continue working with him behind the scenes.”@DanielOyefusi says the Browns are still taking the long-term approach with Shedeur Sanders, with most of his development coming through scout-team work, mental reps and extra preparation.#Browns pic.twitter.com/9M1QCDBcvD
— 92.3 The Fan (@923TheFan) October 6, 2026
It looked like Sanders might be getting that opportunity in Week 3 against the Carolina Panthers. During a late fourth-quarter drive, Watson had to leave the game, and Sanders entered with the potential for a go-ahead score. He completed one pass for no gain before Watson returned and threw a TD to Harold Fannin Jr. in the 21-18 victory.
Watson added to his historic streak of game-winning drives in Week 4 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, setting up a 56-yard field goal by Andre Szmyt for the 27-24 victory. The 31-year-old has been getting better every game and looks to be well on his way to his best season in Cleveland.
However, based on Watson’s lengthy injury history, Sanders is always just one play away from being needed. That situation could become more complicated whenever Dillon Gabriel returns to practice from injured reserve, but for now, Sanders is the only option, with rookie Taylen Green not ready for extended playoff time.
Ideally, the Browns will continue rolling with Watson while Sanders works on improving his game whenever he can, either to become Cleveland’s starter next year or expand his market if he were to go elsewhere.
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