The Cleveland Browns are moving back toward Deshaun Watson at quarterback for Week 10, even after Shedeur Sanders flashed in Sunday’s overtime loss to the New Orleans Saints.
Jeremy Fowler reported that the Browns plan to start Watson against the Texans, with Sanders having filled in in New Orleans while Watson was in concussion protocol. Fowler wrote: “The Browns plan to start Deshaun Watson in Week 10 vs the Texans, per source. Shedeur Sanders filled in Sunday in New Orleans, but returning to Watson was the expected move once he cleared concussion protocol.”
That call comes less than 24 hours after Sanders turned in one of the more eye-catching performances of Cleveland’s season. He went 19 of 31 for 297 yards and two touchdowns, didn’t throw an interception, and helped the Browns force overtime after trailing late in regulation.
It still wasn’t enough. Cleveland lost 23-22 after failing to convert a two-point attempt in overtime.
Watson had started the Browns’ first eight games before missing Sunday’s matchup, and the team had already made clear that he would keep the job once healthy. So in that sense, the reported decision fits the original script.
But Sanders gave the Browns plenty to consider. The offense looked more dangerous when he was pushing the ball downfield, especially in the second half and overtime.
Rookie receivers KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston both benefited from that approach. Concepcion caught a 64-yard touchdown, and Boston hauled in a 60-yard pass that helped jump-start the offense.
For now, Cleveland is expected to go back to Watson against Houston. Still, Sanders’ showing in New Orleans made the quarterback conversation a lot more interesting than it was a week ago.
In Other News...
Dalton Schultz's Wife Weighs In As Texans Controversy Escalates
Dalton Schultz has never been shy about his views on Texas politics, and the Texans tight end stirred the conversation again after posting a profane message aimed at Gov. Greg Abbott on his Instagram story in the wake of recent election results that saw Democrats win key offices. It was the kind of post that quickly spilled beyond social media, especially for a player whose on-field profile has grown in Houston and whose opinions have already drawn attention before.
Laurel Schultz later stepped into the online reaction, voicing frustration with the comments that followed her husbands post and adding another layer to a story that had already become bigger than football. For the Texans, it comes at a time when the team is trying to keep its focus after a win over the Los Angeles Chargers, even as one of its more visible players remains part of a very public debate. [Read more 🡒]
Texans Just Got New Trade Deadline Pressure From AFC South Rival
Jacksonvilles move for Jessie Bates III added a fresh layer of urgency to the AFC South race, and it did so in a way the Texans cant ignore. By paying a 2027 second-round pick and a 2028 fifth-round pick to bring in the veteran safety, the Jaguars signaled they are serious about upgrading their defense for a legitimate Super Bowl push, not just patching a hole for the stretch run.
For Houston, the message is clear even if no deal has materialized yet. The Texans have been in position to compete in a division that can swing quickly, and a rival making that kind of aggressive addition before the trade deadline only raises the pressure to answer in kind. Whether that means a major move or simply standing pat, the next decision will say plenty about how the Texans view their place in the AFC playoff picture. [Read more 🡒]
Texans Trade Deadline Plan Comes Down To One Big Decision
The Texans enter the NFL trade deadline with a familiar kind of tension, weighing whether to make a move that helps now or simply trust the roster they have. Running back and safety have been floated as spots worth exploring, and the front office is at least doing the usual due diligence on what might be available. If the right deal surfaces, Houston could still try to patch a need before the deadline passes.
Jadeveon Clowney is the name drawing the most outside attention, but the Texans do not appear eager to part with him. His fit in the defense and his contract situation both make him a tricky piece to move, which leaves Houston staring at one big decision: chase a meaningful upgrade elsewhere or keep the core intact and wait for a better opportunity later. [Read more 🡒]