The Cleveland Browns have announced a significant lineup change ahead of their Week 9 road game against the New Orleans Saints. Head coach Todd Monken confirmed on Friday that quarterback Shedeur Sanders will make his first start of the 2026 season, replacing Deshaun Watson.
Watson, 31, has been placed in the concussion protocol following a heavy hit from Steelers defensive back Jaquan Brisker during last Sunday's 27-6 loss to Pittsburgh. He was sacked eight times in that game and left early in the first quarter. Although Watson returned to practice on Friday as a limited participant, he is listed as questionable for Sunday.
Watson had won the starting job over Sanders during the summer and helped Cleveland to a 5-3 start, throwing for a season-high 324 yards on 27-of-39 passing against the Steelers despite the loss. Sanders, a 2025 fifth-round pick, has attempted only three passes in the first eight games this season. In 2025, he made seven starts as an injury replacement, going 3-4 with a 56.6% completion rate, seven touchdowns and ten interceptions, and was named a Pro Bowl alternate.
The Browns' offense will face a Saints defense that ranks 29th in points allowed, 24th in rushing yards allowed, 29th in passing yards allowed, and 30th in third-down efficiency. Cleveland currently sits third in the AFC North behind Pittsburgh (6-2) and Cincinnati (5-2).
