Browns Make QB Change After Shedeur Sanders News

Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

Browns Make QB Change After Shedeur Sanders News

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ayomide Adeduyite | Last updated Nov 8, 2026 7:33 AM ET

The Cleveland Browns are making a notable change at quarterback after announcing Shedeur Sanders as the starter for Sunday’s game against the New Orleans Saints. Sanders started seven of the eight games he appeared in during the 2025 season, finishing with 1,400 passing yards, seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions. Cleveland went 3-4 in his starts, and he completed 56.6% of his passes.

The Browns need a more productive performance from their offense after last week’s 27-6 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Cleveland managed 319 total yards but failed to score a touchdown, settling for two field goals. The offense also lost two fumbles on its opening possessions and surrendered eight sacks.

Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12).Kyle Ross-Imagn Images

Head coach Todd Monken confirmed Sanders’ status after Deshaun Watson missed the first two practices of the week and was unable to take part in team drills when he returned in a limited capacity Friday. Although Watson cleared concussion protocol Saturday, he has been ruled out for the game in New Orleans.

With Watson sidelined, the Browns have now made another decision under center ahead of kickoff. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported Sunday that Dillon Gabriel will be the Browns’ No. 2 quarterback behind Sanders.

Dillon Gabriel will serve as QB2 as expected, per source.

The Browns expect Watson back for Week 10 vs Houston https://t.co/yggrS79slY
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) November 8, 2026

Gabriel has yet to appear in a regular-season game in 2026. The 2025 third-round pick spent the start of the season on injured reserve with a back injury suffered during the preseason. He was eligible to return after missing the required four games, but has not recorded any regular-season statistics this year.

Gabriel had a productive preseason finale against the New England Patriots, completing 12 of 15 passes for 186 yards and three touchdowns. However, his role on Sunday will be to provide support behind Sanders as the Browns look to get their offense back on track.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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