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Shedeur Sanders to Make First 2026 NFL Start in Matchup Against Saints

Todd Monken said the Browns will return to Watson after Shedeur Sanders threw for 297 yards and two touchdowns in his first start.

  • On Wednesday, November 11, 2026, the Cleveland Browns announced veteran quarterback Deshaun Watson will start Sunday's Week 10 home game against the Houston Texans after clearing concussion protocol.
  • Watson missed the team's recent 23-22 overtime loss to the New Orleans Saints after being placed in the NFL concussion protocol on November 3; second-year quarterback Shedeur Sanders completed 19-of-31 passes for 297 yards and two touchdowns in his place.
  • Browns head coach Todd Monken praised Sanders' "resiliency" and performance but ultimately chose Watson based on his "full body of work" this season, stating, "Everything you're considering, but ultimately Deshaun's done a really good job for us."
  • Dillon Gabriel will serve as backup quarterback for the matchup, keeping Watson as the primary option while the 5-4 Browns pursue an AFC Wild Card spot amid their two-game losing streak.
  • Watson faces his former team after signing a $240 million contract with Cleveland in 2022 and has led five fourth-quarter, game-winning drives this season, positioning him as critical to the Browns' playoff hopes.
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Reuters broke the news in London, United Kingdom on Saturday, November 7, 2026.
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