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By Madison Williams
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Deshaun Watson missed this past weekend's Cleveland Browns versus New Orleans Saints game because he suffered a concussion the week prior.
Although he was cleared to return to practice, he didn't clear concussion protocol for the game.
Shedeur Sanders started in his place, putting up a somewhat impressive first start of the 2026 season. Sanders finished by completing 19-of-31 passes for 297 yards and two touchdowns, but the Browns lost 23-22 in overtime after failing to achieve a two-point conversion.
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Fans wondered if there was a chance for Sanders to get his second start of the season, this time winning the role out right over Watson. However, coach Todd Monken announced on Monday that Watson would be starting in Week 10 versus the Houston Texans.
Monken spoke with reporters on Wednesday to discuss further his decision to put Watson back in the starting role. In Monken's mind, Watson was never not going to be the starter for the Browns; he only missed the game because of his concussion, not because of his performances.
"He played well enough to earn this and still be our starter," Monken said, via NFL insider Andrew Siciliano. "I had no intention of Deshaun not being our starter."
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But, Monken didn't express that Watson is the for sure starter for the rest of the 2026 season. He kept the conversation open around replacing Watson as QB1 down the road if it comes to it. In theory, all NFL quarterbacks are playing for their starting role each week, and Watson's no different.
"I don't look at it week-to-week and I don't look at it long-term," Monken continued. "We're judged each week. I am. He is. Our team is."
So, in order for Watson to keep his role, he'll need to continue performing well. Overall this season, Watson's put up relatively good numbers. He's completed 65.5% of his passes for 1,806 yards, seven touchdowns and three interceptions. The biggest downfall of his season, though, is the fact that he's been sacked 33 times, which leads the league. That's not all on Watson of course, but it isn't a good look. He's also been sacked eight times in two separate games this season.
If the Browns turn to Sanders later in the season, then he has the experience. He started in seven games last season as Watson was out with a ruptured Achilles tendon. He led Cleveland to a 3-4 record when he started.
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