Deshaun Watson News Emerges After Browns’ Shedeur Sanders Decision

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ayomide Adeduyite | Last updated Nov 23, 2025 10:08 AM ET

Shedeur Sanders is poised for his first NFL start Sunday for the Cleveland Browns, and the anticipation in Cleveland has been through the roof. In Week 11, Sanders stepped in for an injured Dillon Gabriel against the Baltimore Ravens and completed 4 of 16 passes for 47 yards, and he was intercepted once and sacked twice in a 23-16 loss.

Now, with Gabriel still sidelined, Sanders will take the reins against the Las Vegas Raiders in what is expected to be a defining moment for the rookie quarterback. As Sanders prepares to lead the offense, the Browns hope this move sparks momentum and offers a clearer direction at the most critical position on their roster.

Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12).David Reginek-Imagn Images

In a noteworthy development, Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson has made his first road trip of the 2025 season and will be on the sideline in Las Vegas as Sanders makes his first NFL start, reports Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com.

Watson’s presence could serve as invaluable support for the young signal-caller.

Watson is not playing due to a serious injury. He re-ruptured his right Achilles tendon, less than three months after initially tearing it on Oct. 20, 2024, against the Cincinnati Bengals. He underwent a second surgery in January, performed by foot and ankle specialist Dr. Bob Anderson. The Browns confirmed via MRI that the injury recurred after Watson reported discomfort during his exit physical, following what he described as an ankle roll while in Miami.

How #Browns Deshaun Watson will help Shedeur Sanders on the sidelines vs. the #Raiders in his first road trip of the season: ---> https://t.co/V4qbyZDbKh
— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) November 22, 2025

Cleveland’s front office has described the recovery timeline as uncertain, and sources say Watson is unlikely to play this season. Since being acquired by the Browns in 2022, the three-time Pro Bowler has played just 19 games, with injuries and off-field issues limiting his impact.

As Sanders takes over in his first start, the Browns face the Raiders in a must-see matchup that could set the tone for their future. With Watson still on the team, Sanders can perhaps lean on his experience, even as Cleveland builds around their future at quarterback.

The Browns (2-8) visit the Las Vegas Raiders (2-8) at 4:05 p.m. ET Sunday on CBS.

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

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