The Cleveland Browns have been one of the most pleasant surprises of the 2026 NFL season. Cleveland is 5-3 headed into Week 9, but they may not have QB Deshaun Watson now that he's in concussion protocol. That could set the stage for Shedeur Sanders to take over starting duties once again. One Browns defender does not sound worried about that possibility.
Browns cornerback Denzel Ward explained his next man up mentality about the quarterback position in a recent interview.
“Yeah, that's the NFL. That's just, first thought that comes to my mind is next man up mentality always, no matter the position. So quarterback position, DB, so next man up and just got to step up once you get out there,” Ward said on Wednesday, per Camryn Justice. “Whoever's out there, if Deshaun gets back, great. If Shedeur's out there, great. And whoever's out there, we'll go out there and try to win.”
Watson took a helmet-to-helmet hit in the first quarter against the Steelers in Week 8. He was evaluated by the league's Unaffiliated Neurotrauma Consultant after the play and was cleared to return. Watson also did not show signs of a concussion on Monday after the game. However, Watson's told Cleveland's medical team on Tuesday morning that he experienced concussion symptoms on Monday night.
Shedeur is expected to start in Week 9 and will take first-team reps at practice this week. It is technically possible to get through concussion protocol in one week and still play. That said, it is much more difficult for quarterbacks than any other position when they do not get first-team reps in practice.
Sanders played surprisingly well as a rookie. He logged 1,400 passing yards with seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions in eight games last year. Now the supporting cast in Cleveland is much improved, so he could play at an even higher level.
It will be fascinating to see if Shedeur can lead the Browns to a victory this weekend.
Browns at Saints kicks off at 1 p.m. ET on Nov 8 from Caesars Superdome in New Orleans.