Browns Delay Quarterback Decision After Sanders’ Strong Start

Deshaun Watson is available after clearing concussion protocol, but Cleveland has not decided whether he or Shedeur Sanders will start at quarterback against the Houston Texans on November 15. Coach Todd Monken said on November 9 he wanted to review the Browns’ 23-22 overtime defeat by New Orleans with the offensive staff before choosing, and gave no decision timetable.

Sanders, making his first start of the season, completed 19 of 31 passes for 297 yards and two touchdowns. Monken praised his late-game command and said the performance added to his confidence that Sanders has potential to build on. The coach also cautioned that a strong practice week does not guarantee the same results in a game.

Cleveland went for a two-point conversion after Harold Fannin Jr.’s 39-yard overtime touchdown, but Sanders was pressured and missed Denzel Boston with a pass. Monken said defenders disrupted the receivers at the line, preventing the play from developing as intended. A holding penalty on right tackle Tytus Howard would have negated the conversion even if Boston had caught the ball.

The Browns are 5-4 after back-to-back losses, but Monken said the team remained in contention and pointed to a stretch with four upcoming home games and a bye. Cleveland is 3-0 at home and will host Houston next. Watson first played for Cleveland in a 2022 matchup with Houston, throwing for 131 yards in a 27-14 win.