Cleveland Browns fans were shocked to learn Wednesday that starting quarterback Deshaun Watson entered the NFL’s concussion protocol after he reported symptoms stemming from 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 interim QB1 for a Wednesday media session. While speaking with reporters, Sanders discussed being on track for Cleveland at the 2-5 New Orleans Saints this coming Sunday.
Shedeur Sanders is “excited” to likely get a chance to start over
As ESPN’s Daniel Oyefusi shared, Sanders acknowledged he’s “excited about 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 losing a competition for the QB1 job to Watson this past summer. So far, Sanders has only attempted three passes this season.
According to Scott Petrak of The Chronicle-Telegram and Medina Gazette, Sanders insisted he did “his job” to learn everything he could while serving as Watson’s primary backup since Week 1. Sanders was asked how he’s improved since fans last saw him play in the preseason.
“I guess we’ll see,” Sanders replied, according to Spencer German of Cleveland sports radio station 92.3 The Fan.
Eyebrows were raised when it was revealed this fall that Sanders had hired an agent. According to 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 reported that the Browns knew it would be “difficult 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 admitted it would be “tough” for Watson to clear the protocol on Saturday night.