Former Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders could be in line for his first start of the 2026 NFL season this weekend when the Cleveland Browns prepare to face the New Orleans Saints.

With starting quarterback Deshaun Watson entering the concussion protocol earlier this week, Sanders is next in line to lead the Browns offense, with Watson unlikely to play Sunday.

Sanders has seen limited action this year, appearing in three games and only completing three passes for two yards. In 2025, he started seven games, completing 56% of his passes for 1,400 yards and seven touchdowns, but he also threw 10 interceptions and was sacked 23 times.

It wasn't the best seven-game stretch to end the year, but he showed enough to be in a tight quarterback competition with Watson throughout the offseason.

If Watson isn't cleared in time, Sanders would have another chance to showcase his talents and perhaps even claim he is the better option for the 5-3 Browns. Watson has not thrown a touchdown pass in three straight games.

Sanders entered the NFL as a fifth-round pick after a prolonged draft slide, but had an extremely successful two-year stint in Boulder. He finished his final season at Colorado with 4,134 passing yards and 37 touchdowns while completing 74% of his passes.

The Browns and Saints will kick off from New Orleans at 11 a.m. MT, 1 p.m. ET on Sunday, Nov. 8.