Sanders Gets the Nod in New Orleans
Shedeur Sanders will start at quarterback for the Cleveland Browns in Week 9 against the New Orleans Saints, head coach Todd Monken announced. The decision comes after Deshaun Watson, who cleared concussion protocol on Saturday, was officially listed as inactive for Sunday's game. Watson had been limited in practice all week and was unable to participate in team reps, prompting the Browns to turn to their second-year signal-caller.
Sanders, a 2025 fifth-round pick out of Colorado, makes his first start of the 2026 season and the eighth of his career. He appeared in two games this season in relief, completing all three of his pass attempts for two yards. As a rookie in 2025, Sanders started seven of eight games played, posting a 3-4 record while completing 56.6% of his passes for 1,400 yards with seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions.
Dillon Gabriel will serve as Sanders' backup. The Browns also listed quarterback Taylen Green as an emergency third quarterback among their inactives. Watson, who entered the concussion protocol earlier in the week, is among the team's inactive players along with defensive tackle Maliek Collins, linebacker Justin Jefferson, cornerback Noah Igbinoghene, and center Parker Brailsford.
Stakes High as Cleveland Fights for Playoff Positioning
The Browns enter Sunday's matchup with a surprising 5-3 record, sitting just outside the AFC wild-card picture. A win in New Orleans is critical as Cleveland looks to keep pace in a crowded AFC North, where the Steelers (6-2) lead and the Bengals (5-2) sit second. The Browns have slipped to third in the division entering Week 9.
Cleveland's offense struggled last week in a 27-6 loss to Pittsburgh, managing 319 yards but scoring only six points. Sanders will be tasked with sparking a unit that has been inconsistent under Watson, who has played well at times—throwing for back-to-back 300-yard games and leading five game-winning drives (tied for most in the league)—but has also taken a league-high 33 sacks. Watson's eight starts this year are already a career high for him as a Brown.
The Saints, meanwhile, have lost four of their past five games, though they suffered one-score defeats in their previous two games before a bye week. New Orleans ranks near the bottom half of NFC teams in total defense, allowing 372.7 yards per game. Rookie wide receiver Jordyn Tyson, the eighth overall pick in the 2026 draft, will make his NFL debut after starting the season on injured reserve with a hamstring injury. Saints quarterback Tyler Shough has played well, throwing for 1,721 yards, 13 touchdowns, and seven interceptions on a 67% completion rate.
A Prove-It Moment for Sanders
For Sanders, Sunday represents a significant opportunity to demonstrate growth after a rookie season that produced mixed results. While he showed positive moments, his first year concluded with questions about whether he could be the Browns' long-term answer under center. He lost the preseason quarterback battle to Watson, who has played well in his first action since a season-ending injury in 2024.
Watson's absence marks yet another missed game for the veteran, who has now missed at least one game in each of his seasons with Cleveland since being acquired from Houston in 2022. His concussion adds to a frustrating tenure marked by injuries and suspension.
Sanders' performance against a vulnerable Saints defense could go a long way in determining his future role. With Watson's injury history and the Browns' competitive window, a strong showing from Sanders could create a quarterback controversy in Cleveland—or at least provide the team with a reliable backup option. Conversely, a poor outing could reinforce the organization's belief that Watson remains the clear starter when healthy.
Broader Implications
Sanders' start is part of a league-wide trend in Week 9, which has been dubbed the week of the backup quarterback. Along with Sanders, several other backups are starting across the NFL, including Milton, Minshew, Lock, and Wentz. The Browns' situation underscores the importance of quarterback depth in a season where injuries and protocol absences can quickly alter a team's trajectory.
For Cleveland, the game also offers a chance to evaluate its young quarterback in a high-pressure environment. The Browns are in the midst of a playoff push, and every game matters. Sanders' ability to manage the offense, protect the football, and make plays against a struggling Saints defense could be the difference between a win and a loss.
As the Browns take on the Saints at 1 p.m. ET at the Caesars Superdome, all eyes will be on Sanders. The second-year pro has an opportunity to write a new chapter in his young career—and perhaps alter the Browns' quarterback plans in the process. For a team with playoff aspirations, Sunday's game is about more than just one start; it's about finding out what they have in their young signal-caller.
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