Shedeur Sanders in line to start Week 9 as Browns place Deshaun Watson in concussion protocol

Shedeur Sanders in line to start Week 9 as Browns place Deshaun Watson in concussion protocol originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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The Cleveland Browns have been starting Deshaun Watson at quarterback all season long, despite initial indications that he could get benched. But that was only if things were going south. Instead, the Browns are out to a strong 5-3 record.

While they just lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 8, the Browns are still in good shape to make a push for the playoffs. However, Wednesday morning after Week 8, leading up to Week 9, the Browns made a huge announcement.

They are placing Watson in concussion protocol, which puts his Week 9 status in doubt. That means Shedeur Sanders might finally make his first start of the year for Cleveland in Week 9 when the Browns face off against the New Orleans Saints.

Browns might start Shedeur Sanders in Week 9 after Deshaun Watson news

“Deshaun Watson has been placed in concussion protocol,” the Browns announced Wednesday. They also shared a lengthy comment that reveals why this news comes so far after their Week 8 matchup.

Watson was cleared to return to the game in Week 8 and didn’t present concussion symptoms after the game. However, “On Tuesday morning, he reported to the medical staff that he began experiencing concussion symptoms Monday night and was immediately placed in the concussion protocol.”

Despite initially coming out of the week with no issues, Watson’s symptoms came about and now have him in question for Week 9 as the Browns placed him in the concussion protocol.

He could still play this weekend against the Saints, but it’s likely a long shot considering how late of an add he was to the concussion protocol.

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That means Sanders, currently the team’s No. 2 quarterback, is most likely to start for Cleveland and Todd Monken in Week 9.

Watson has gotten the bulk of the work this season, though Sanders has come into two games, including against the Steelers this past week, when he went two-for-two for two passing yards in a very brief relief appearance for Watson.

After throwing for 1,400 yards on a 56.6 completion percentage with seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions during his rookie season, Sanders lost the QB1 job to Watson in 2026. He hasn’t had a chance to play this season, given how well the Browns have played.

But now, with Watson in concussion protocol and not likely to suit up in Week 9 against the Saints, Sanders might finally be in line to make his first start of his second NFL season. It’s a great matchup too, so this is a chance Sanders cannot squander.

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