Browns' Shedeur Sanders discusses likely starting vs. Saints with Deshaun Watson in concussion protocol

Cleveland Browns fans were surprised to learn on Wednesday that starting quarterback Deshaun Watson had entered the NFL's concussion protocol after he reported symptoms coming off the club's 27-6 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers that dropped the Browns to 5-3 this past Sunday. 

That development left second-year pro Shedeur Sanders to serve as Cleveland's temporary QB1 for a Wednesday media session. While speaking with reporters, Sanders discussed being on track to start for Cleveland at the 2-5 New Orleans Saints this coming Sunday. 

Shedeur Sanders "excited" to likely get opportunity to start again

As shared by Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN, Sanders acknowledged that he "is excited for the opportunity" to return to the top of Cleveland's depth chart. 

A 2025 fifth-round draft pick, Sanders made just seven starts as a rookie before he lost a competition for the QB1 job to Watson this past summer. Thus far, Sanders has attempted just three passes this season. 

Per Scott Petrak of The Chronicle-Telegram and Medina Gazette, Sanders insisted he has done "his job" to learn all that he could while serving as Watson's primary backup since Week 1. Sanders was asked how he has developed since fans last saw him play during the preseason. 

"I guess we'll see," Sanders responded, according to Spencer German of Cleveland sports radio station 92.3 The Fan.

Eyebrows were raised when it was learned earlier this fall that Sanders had hired an agent. Per Justin Cooper of ESPN Cleveland, Sanders declined to explain his reasoning for that decision on Wednesday. 

Before Sanders spoke, Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer revealed that the Browns know that "it will be hard for Watson to clear" the concussion protocol in time to start against the Saints. Later in the afternoon, first-year Browns head coach Todd Monken acknowledged it would be "difficult" for Watson to clear the protocol by Saturday evening.