Quarterback Shedeur Sanders will start for the Cleveland Browns in Sunday's Saints matchup, even after fellow quarterback Deshaun Watson returned to practice Friday. Head coach Todd Monken announced the decision with Watson still in concussion protocol.

Sanders will make his first start of 2026 after taking first-team reps throughout the week. He has thrown just three passes this season, completing all of them for two yards across two appearances.

Watson returned, but Sanders took the team reps

Watson missed practice Wednesday and Thursday, then returned for limited work Friday. He could participate in individual drills but could not take team reps. He was listed as questionable.

Asked Friday whether Watson's lack of practice was the reason for starting Sanders, Monken answered, "Exactly."

The call follows Cleveland's limited-change game plan for Sanders. Starting Sanders is the right call after a full week of first-team work.

Monken liked more than Sanders' throws

Monken praised Sanders' confidence during the practice week.

The work reaches back beyond this week. Sanders split reps with Watson during training camp and has continued getting additional practice work with the Hungry Dawgs group. On game days, he has joined Watson and quarterbacks coach Mike Bajakian in sideline discussions about the previous series.

That preparation includes the extra walkthroughs and meetings planned for him. Monken cited progress in Sanders' footwork, drops, mechanics, progressions and protections, while also praising his touch downfield.

Monken also said Sanders had been listening to every play call during games.

His message about Sanders' opportunity was considerably less restrained than the quarterback's season passing total: "Let's let it rip."

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