Deshaun Watson’s unlikely performance in the Cleveland Browns’ Week 2 victory has not only changed the immediate trajectory of his career, but it has also altered the path for Shedeur Sanders. Many people, perhaps Sanders included, believed that it was a foregone conclusion that he would be the starter for the home opener in Week 3 against the Carolina Panthers.
That was based on a number of projected factors, most notably Watson’s continued poor play and the fan reaction that was likely to come in response. Instead, the veteran played well in a comeback win, earning another start and potentially generating some goodwill with the fan base.
Yet, that does not mean Sanders’ opportunity to take over has disappeared. It just might take a little while longer.
Analyst Anthony Lima made the point that the Browns’ QB plan may not be what fans think, assuring them that they will see Sanders on the field at some point.
“Maybe they just really thought Deshaun was a better quarterback at this stage. Not that it’s doomed for Shedeur. This doesn’t mean the end of Shedeur Sanders getting opportunities. We all think that Deshaun Watson, at times, kind of injury-prone at this stage of his career. We’re going to get to see him. Just because he wasn’t necessarily ready Week 1 does not mean the end of Shedeur Sanders’ career,” Lima said.
“Maybe They Just Really Thought Deshaun Was the Better QB” — Anthony Lima Says Shedeur Is Still in Play pic.twitter.com/qrrJgXZNc7
— 92.3 The Fan (@923TheFan) September 22, 2026
To be fair, Watson hasn’t been injured in almost 21 months, since he suffered another Achilles tear back in January 2025. Granted, he was recovering for most of that time, but he did make it through offseason training, spring workouts, training camp, the preseason, and the first two games without any physical issues so far.
Yes, his 2023 season ended with a shoulder injury, and he first tore his Achilles in 2024, which may deserve an “injury-prone” label. But it was thought that his inability to play well would be more likely to give Sanders his opening.
After the Week 1 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, that seemed inevitable. Now, after posting his best passer rating in almost three years, Watson’s grip on the starting job is more secure, not less. Meanwhile, Sanders’ short-term future is in limbo, to say nothing of his long-term outlook.
For every game that Watson starts, that is one fewer chance Sanders has to make his case as the Browns’ potential franchise QB. With Cleveland a much more modest betting underdog against Carolina, Watson has a good chance to keep Sanders at bay again.
Even if Watson plays poorly on Sunday, the quick turnaround for a Thursday Night game against the Pittsburgh Steelers may put off a change to Sanders until Week 5, at the earliest.
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