Sanders Steps Up for Cleveland
Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken confirmed on Friday that Shedeur Sanders will start at quarterback for Sunday on the road against the New Orleans Saints.
Deshaun Watson remains in the concussion protocol after self reporting symptoms on Tuesday morning. Watson is listed as questionable for Sunday. Monken has not yet decided if Watson will serve as the backup quarterback because he has not yet been cleared by medical staff. Sanders took all the starting reps in practice throughout the week.
Reflecting on Last Season
Sunday will mark the first start of the season for Sanders, who was selected in the fifth round of the 2025 draft. As a rookie, Sanders made seven starts for Cleveland. He completed 56.6 percent of his passes for 1,400 yards, throwing seven touchdowns and ten interceptions. He went 3-4 in those seven games.
Sanders shared his thoughts on Wednesday about his growth since last year. He said that last year he was able to see what he needed to see, feel different things during the games, and understand what he needed to get better at. He explained that they worked on those details in the offseason and training camp, adding that overall he is just excited for the opportunity.
Preparing for the Opportunity
Sanders has attempted only three passes this season in spot appearances during two games. He received limited practice reps during the regular season, although he split reps with the main offense during training camp.
Monken explained that Sanders will get all the walk through reps and team reps in practice. The coach mentioned that young players usually get limited reps after practice in a group called the Hungry Dawgs. However, Sanders has been in all meetings and watched all the game films. Monken said they will hold extra walk throughs and meetings with him as they proceed. Sanders previously stepped into the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The Quarterback Depth Chart
The Browns have a few moving parts behind Sanders on the depth chart. Dillon Gabriel returned from injured reserve last week and served as the emergency quarterback in Week 8. Gabriel could act as the primary backup for Sanders against New Orleans.
Rookie Taylen Green, a sixth round pick, served as the emergency quarterback for the first seven games of the season. With Watson sidelined, Green will return to that emergency quarterback role on Sunday.
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