Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken has confirmed that Deshaun Watson will start against the Houston Texans this Sunday, resolving the quarterback uncertainty that followed Monday’s dramatic overtime loss to the Saints. Watson, who spent the previous week in the concussion protocol, cleared all medical hurdles on Saturday but remained inactive for the game in New Orleans. His return to the starting role comes just two days after Monken delayed naming a Week 10 starter, signaling that the organization views Watson as the primary option despite the recent injury scare.
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The decision to bench Watson for the Saints game opened the door for Shedeur Sanders to make his first start since the 2025 regular-season finale. Sanders delivered a strong performance, nearly leading Cleveland to an upset victory against New Orleans, which had intensified speculation about a potential rotation or a change in pecking order. However, the Browns’ official announcement confirms that Sanders’ start was a situational necessity due to Watson’s health status rather than a strategic shift in the quarterback competition.
Watson’s return against his former team adds a layer of narrative intrigue to the matchup, as he faces the franchise that drafted him in 2018. With the Browns looking to stabilize their offense after a close loss, Watson’s experience and familiarity with the system are expected to provide a boost. Fans and analysts will closely monitor his performance to determine if the concussion protocol impacted his readiness or if the team is confident in his full return to form for the remainder of the season.
Source: Yahoo Sports
