The Cleveland Browns have confirmed that Shedeur Sanders will make his first start of the 2026 season against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, with Deshaun Watson still in concussion protocol.

Sanders worked with the first team throughout the week, while Watson did not take team reps. Cleveland confirmed the decision by Friday.

Head coach Todd Monken praised Sanders’ work in practice. “I liked his confidence, liked the way that he operated. He looked very comfortable in terms of getting our guys in and out of the huddle and getting to the line of scrimmage, which will be half of the battle this week, obviously going there. And I thought he threw the ball extremely well,” Monken said.

Sanders, who has been Watson’s backup this season, attempted two passes after entering last week’s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Cleveland scored six points in that game and enters Sunday with a 5-3 record.

Browns confirm Shedeur Sanders will start against Saints

Watson won the starting job in a preseason competition with Sanders after missing the entire 2025 season with an Achilles injury. As a rookie, Sanders played eight games and went 3-4 in seven starts. He completed 56.6 percent of his passes for 1,400 yards, seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions, and rushed for 169 yards and a touchdown.

On Saturday, Sanders posted an Instagram video featuring highlights from his NFL career, with the caption “Thank you GOD $².”