Shedeur Sanders’ surprise run as the Cleveland Browns’ starting quarterback is reportedly over, with Deshaun Watson set to take the reins for Week 10. ESPN is reporting that Watson has cleared concussion protocol, and the veteran is now expected to reclaim his spot leading the offense. This is the pivot point the Browns have been waiting for, and it couldn’t come at a more crucial time.
Watson’s Return: What He Brings to the Table
Watson was a regular for the Browns this season, starting every game before his Week 9 concussion sidelined him. Even though he cleared concussion protocol on Friday, the team opted to hold him out of Sunday’s game, showing a cautious approach. Before the injury, Watson steered the team to a solid 5-3 record through eight starts. Look, his numbers haven’t exactly been tearing up the league, with seven touchdowns against three interceptions on the year. But here’s the kicker: he’s been effective enough. He’s managed games, made the right plays, and ultimately, picked up wins. That’s what matters in the NFL, especially when you’re trying to stay in the playoff picture.
Sanders’ Near-Heroics and What’s Next for Him
While Watson was out, Shedeur Sanders stepped up for his first start of 2026 in Week 9, and man, he almost pulled off a miracle. He threw for 297 yards and two touchdowns in a heart-wrenching 23-22 overtime loss to the New Orleans Saints. He almost became the hero everyone talks about, finding tight end Harold Fannin on a 39-yard touchdown in overtime that brought them within one point. The Browns then rolled the dice, going for the game-winning two-point conversion with just over three minutes left in overtime, but Sanders’ pass to Denzel Boston fell incomplete. Ouch. Despite those numbers, the move back to Watson was always on the cards. Sanders started seven games last season but lost the training camp battle to Watson, and had only attempted three passes prior to his Sunday start.
The Playoff Push and a Looming Decision
The Browns currently stand at 5-4, and that playoff possibility is absolutely still in play. Watson is now getting his chance to lead this team there. But let’s be real, the stakes are high. Watson’s contract is up after this season, and the Browns have to figure out their future at quarterback. Is Sanders the guy they want to build around for 2027, or do they need to look elsewhere? The team isn’t ready to start that evaluation just yet. However, if Cleveland stumbles out of the hunt, or if Watson falters down the stretch, you can bet your bottom dollar they might give Sanders another look. For now, it’s Watson’s show, and every single snap in Week 10 is going to be under a microscope.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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