Shedeur Sanders’ next opportunity to start for the Cleveland Browns may depend on how the team performs over its upcoming run of games. ESPN Cleveland analyst Tony Grossi has identified the stretch as a possible point for the Browns to reassess their quarterback plans after returning Deshaun Watson to the starting lineup.
“I think we’ll revisit it after this month at home, after these four games,” Grossi said on Nov. 12. He added that if Cleveland does not finish the stretch with a strong record—such as 3-1 or 1-3—the team could discuss the position during the final month of the season. Grossi said Watson’s job is not at immediate risk if he struggles against Houston, adding that the quarterback is likely to remain the starter for at least the next month.
Cleveland hosts Houston on Sunday, has its Week 11 bye, then welcomes Las Vegas, Cincinnati and Atlanta. The bye extends the four-game stretch through Dec. 13. If the Browns wait until then to make a change, their next game is scheduled for Dec. 20 at the New York Giants, with four regular-season games remaining.
## Todd Monken Has Backed Deshaun Watson
Coach Todd Monken confirmed Watson’s return to the starting role, pointing to his work over the season’s first eight games. Cleveland went 5-3 with Watson starting before Sanders stepped in for a 23-22 overtime loss to New Orleans.
Watson had cleared concussion protocol before the Saints game but remained inactive after missing practice repetitions with the team. Sanders handled the first-team preparation and made his first start of 2026.
Monken initially left the decision open after the loss. When he announced Watson would start against Houston, he said he had wanted to discuss the situation with his staff before making the plan public.
“I had no intention of Deshaun not being our starter,” Monken said.
Monken also acknowledged that performance is evaluated week to week. He said he anticipates Watson will start, noting that Watson has held the role.
Watson enters Sunday with 1,806 passing yards, seven touchdowns and three interceptions. He has also led five fourth-quarter go-ahead drives.
## Shedeur Sanders Gave the Browns More to Evaluate
Sanders’ performance against New Orleans gave supporters of the rookie reasons to want Cleveland to extend his opportunity. He completed 19 of 31 passes for 297 yards and two touchdowns, with no interceptions.
After recording just 38 passing yards before halftime, Sanders connected with KC Concepcion for a 64-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter and Harold Fannin Jr. for a 39-yard score in overtime. The big plays offered a spark for an offense that has lacked explosive gains with Watson at quarterback.
A failed two-point attempt left Sanders without a victory, but he helped bring the offense back after a difficult start. Asked about taking Watson’s job, Sanders said the decision belonged to the coaching staff: “I control what I control. What I think in the greater scheme of things doesn’t matter.”
The Browns kept their four-quarterback group intact through the trade deadline. Sanders remains behind Watson, while Dillon Gabriel and rookie Taylen Green are also on the roster.
Cleveland enters Sunday at 5-4 after consecutive losses. Watson will get the next chance to end the skid before the Browns head into their bye.
