Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson is in concussion protocol after taking a helmet-to-helmet hit from Pittsburgh Steelers safety Jaquan Brisker last Sunday, putting Shedeur Sanders directly in line to start this Sunday against the New Orleans Saints. This isn’t just a bump in the road; it’s a huge moment for a 5-3 Browns squad fighting for an AFC North title or at least a postseason spot.
Sanders Is ‘Excited For This Opportunity’ Despite The Pressure Cooker
When reporters pressed Sanders on Wednesday about preparing as the potential starter, he kept it cool. “The same way I’ve been preparing every week, no different,” he said. But then he opened up a bit about what this opportunity really means, thanking the coaching staff, general manager Andrew Berry, and the whole organization for “another chance to be here for this season.” He wasn’t just talking about this week, either. Sanders reflected on last year, saying he “was able to see what I need to see, feel different things during the games and understand what I need to get better at.” He put in the work this offseason and in training camp, and now? “Overall I’m just excited for this opportunity,” he declared. The dude sounds ready to grab it. “I’m comfortable with the ball in my hands in general,” Sanders added, laying out his game plan: “Just go in there, do what I have to do. Play the long game, win everything, and just be excited to get out there.” Talk about confidence.
From Fifth-Round Pick To Suddenly Crucial Starter
This isn’t Sanders’ first rodeo. Last season, as a fifth-round selection in the 2025 NFL draft, he actually played in eight games, starting seven of them for the Browns. He took over after Dillon Gabriel entered concussion protocol, who himself had replaced Joe Flacco. Sanders finished that run completing 56.6 percent of his passes for 1,400 yards, seven touchdowns, but also ten interceptions, averaging 6.6 yards per attempt. Those numbers show he’s got potential, but also that he’s got some growing to do. This year, Sanders battled Watson for the QB1 spot, a battle Watson ultimately won. Watson, for his part, has been playing well in 2026, completing 65.5 percent of his passes for 1,806 yards, seven touchdowns, and just three interceptions, averaging 7.25 yards per attempt. Remember, Watson missed the entire back half of 2024 with a torn Achilles and then all of 2025 after a re-rupture of the same Achilles. This injury is a fresh blow, and now Sanders has to prove he can take what he learned from last year and turn it into wins.
The Browns desperately need a W to keep their playoff hopes strong. Kickoff for their crucial game against the Saints is set for Sunday at 1 p.m. ET. All eyes are on Sanders to see if he can truly deliver on that confidence.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Bleacher Report.
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