Quarterback controversies tend to arrive before a coach is ready to deal with them. One strong performance from a backup can spark a week of debate, especially when the starter is close to returning. Coaches usually want time to review the film, talk with their staff and weigh everything before making a call. Todd Monken made it clear Sunday that he is not ready to have that conversation yet.
Monken was asked after the overtime loss in New Orleans whether Shedeur Sanders made a case to start against the Houston Texans next week.
“How long has been it been since the game ended? 30 minutes? I’m not getting in the quarterback situation,” Monken said.
#Browns Todd Monken on if Shedeur Sanders made a case to start next week vs the #Texans: pic.twitter.com/L9AtKb8B8Q
— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) November 8, 2026
It was a short answer, and it was not a surprise. Monken had just watched his team lose a game it led late in the 4th quarter and again had a chance to win in overtime. Naming a starter for next week was not going to happen at the podium.
The question was a fair one, though. Sanders completed 19 of 31 passes for 297 yards and 2 touchdowns without an interception in his first start of the season. He hit KC Concepcion for a 64-yard touchdown, made a tough throw under pressure to Jerry Jeudy to set up the game-tying field goal and found Harold Fannin Jr. for a 39-yard touchdown in overtime.
He did all of that while being sacked 5 times.
Deshaun Watson’s situation complicates things. He cleared the concussion protocol before Sunday’s game and was only inactive because he practiced once during the week. Watson leads the NFL with 5 game-winning drives, and every Browns win this season came with him under center.
Monken has stood by Watson all season, and it would be a big change to move away from a quarterback who has delivered so many close wins. At the same time, Watson is in the final year of his contract, and the Browns still have to decide who their quarterback will be in 2027. Sanders, still on his rookie deal, just gave them a strong reason to want a longer look.
The decision will likely become clearer once the Browns return to practice this week. Tuesday’s trade deadline will also come and go before then, adding another layer to an already busy stretch.
For now, Monken is keeping his cards close. Browns fans will have to wait a few days to learn who will start against Houston.
NEXT: Everyone Was Saying The Same Thing About Shedeur Sanders On Sunday
