Shedeur Sanders to Start as Browns Sit Deshaun Watson

The Browns will turn to Shedeur Sanders for their road game against New Orleans on November 8, despite Deshaun Watson’s return to practice after a concussion. Watson cleared the NFL’s concussion protocol but will remain inactive, with Sanders making his first start this season.

Watson was injured during Cleveland’s 26-7 loss to Pittsburgh. He had completed 27 of 39 passes for 324 yards before a helmet-to-helmet hit sent him briefly to the medical tent. The hit drew a 15-yard penalty, and Steelers safety Jaquan Brisker was later fined $17,911.

Watson missed practice Wednesday and Thursday, then took part in Friday’s session on a limited, non-contact basis. Cleveland enters the matchup 5-3, behind Pittsburgh and Cincinnati in the AFC North. The Saints are 2-5.

Sanders started seven games last season, going 3-4 as a starter. In his most recent start, he completed 11 of 22 passes for 111 yards without a touchdown or interception in a 20-18 win over Cincinnati. Across the season, he completed 56.6% of his passes, throwing for 1,400 yards and seven touchdowns, with 10 interceptions.

The Browns will look to rebound from their loss to Pittsburgh with Sanders under center against New Orleans.