Even though Shedeur Sanders has been named the Cleveland Browns’ starting quarterback for their game against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, there remains a chance that Deshaun Watson will also be in uniform. After starting the first eight games of the season, Watson was placed in concussion protocol this week, but he reportedly has been cleared to play.
Browns head coach Todd Monken named Sanders the starter because he was the one taking the first-team reps at practice this week. But Watson is available to serve as the backup, or at worst, the emergency quarterback behind Dillon Gabriel.
Camryn Justice of News 5 Cleveland revealed that the Browns got the major update ahead of the Saints game, adding that they have not made a decision on Watson’s usage.
“Browns QB Deshaun Watson has cleared concussion protocol. He remains listed as questionable for tomorrow’s game against the Saints. Head coach Todd Monken said yesterday he hadn’t decided if Watson would be QB2 on Sunday should he clear protocol. We’ll see tomorrow,” Justice posted.
#Browns QB Deshaun Watson has cleared concussion protocol. He remains listed as questionable for tomorrow's game against the Saints.
Head coach Todd Monken said yesterday he hadn't decided if Watson would be QB2 on Sunday should he clear protocol. We'll see tomorrow.
— Camryn Justice (@camijustice) November 7, 2026
The Browns may be wise to err on the side of caution, considering Watson’s long injury history. He has already played in more games than in any of his five seasons with Cleveland, and after preparing all week to be without him, Monken may just stay the course and allow him to continue to recover. That path may be enhanced by the fact that after hosting the Houston Texans in Week 10, the Browns will have their bye week.
A tandem of Sanders and perhaps Gabriel might be enough to get the Browns a victory against a Saints team that ranks 28th in yards allowed and 29th in points allowed per game. In three straight losses at Caesars Superdome, New Orleans has given up 103 points.
Monken has expressed confidence that Sanders can handle the assignment after taking first-team reps as part of the quarterback competition this preseason. NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport also reported that Watson’s job is not in jeopardy even if Sanders plays well, so there is no potential quarterback controversy that needs to be avoided.
Hopefully, Sanders will be able to finish the game without any trouble, and the Browns will emerge with a victory, with Watson returning next week.
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