The Cleveland Browns are making a quarterback change ahead of Sunday's Week 9 matchup against the New Orleans Saints, with head coach Todd Monken confirming that Shedeur Sanders will start while Deshaun Watson remains in the NFL's concussion protocol.

According to Andrew Siciliano, Monken announced Friday that Sanders would start at quarterback despite Watson carrying a questionable designation on the team's final injury report.

Watson has not cleared the league's concussion protocol after taking a helmet-to-helmet hit during Cleveland's 27-6 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 8. He initially passed the in-game concussion evaluation and returned to action, but reported experiencing symptoms Monday night and was placed in the protocol Tuesday.

The decision gives Sanders another chance to lead Cleveland's offense as the Browns try to rebound from their loss to Pittsburgh and stay competitive in the AFC North.

Shedeur Sanders gets another opportunity in Cleveland

Sanders, a fifth-round pick in the 2025 NFL draft, appeared in seven starts during his rookie season and has primarily served as Watson's backup through the first eight weeks of 2026. The former Colorado quarterback has appeared in two games this season, including brief action against Carolina in Week 3 and Pittsburgh in Week 8. Sanders completed two passes for two yards against the Steelers while Watson was temporarily out of the game.

With Watson entering the concussion protocol, Sanders took first-team practice repetitions Wednesday as Cleveland began preparing for New Orleans. Monken explained earlier in the week that the Browns planned additional meetings and walkthroughs to help Sanders prepare for the possibility of starting.

The opportunity comes at an important point for Sanders, who spent much of the season developing behind Watson while working with Cleveland's coaching staff on his timing, decision-making, and command of the offense.

How the quarterback change impacts the AFC North

Cleveland enters Week 9 at 5-3, sitting ahead of Baltimore in the AFC North standings after the Ravens dropped to 4-5 following Thursday night's 33-10 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Browns have a chance to stay in the division race with a win over New Orleans, but they'll need Sanders to manage the offense effectively against a Saints team looking to improve its standing in the NFC South.

Cleveland has leaned on running back Quinshon Judkins and a defense featuring Jared Verse, Mason Graham and Denzel Ward, giving Sanders an opportunity to operate without having to carry the entire offense.

The Browns will face New Orleans on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET at Caesars Superdome, with Sanders getting another chance to prove he can be a productive NFL starting quarterback.

Watson's status beyond Week 9 remains uncertain and will depend on his progression through the league's concussion protocol.