Overview
- Shedeur Sanders made his first start of the season on Sunday and completed 19 of 31 passes for 297 yards and two touchdowns in a 23-22 overtime loss to the New Orleans Saints.
- Deshaun Watson was cleared through concussion protocol on Saturday and multiple outlets, citing an ESPN report, said the Browns plan to return him to the starting role for Week 10, but that report has not been confirmed by the team.
- Monken publicly praised Sanders' maturity and preparation after the game, reiterated that the decision is made week to week, and explicitly declined to name a starter while the offensive staff continues its review.
- The Browns have kept the choice open partly for competitive and roster reasons, with coaches noting it forces opponents to prepare for both quarterbacks and could preserve leverage ahead of the NFL trade-deadline window.
- Cleveland sits 5-4 with a bye next week, and the outcome of this short-term evaluation will affect the team’s playoff push, Watson’s role under a fully guaranteed contract, and Sanders’ trade or development value.