The Browns still have a winning record at 5-3, but the quarterback situation for Week 9 is trending in a clear direction. Deshaun Watson’s status has gone from uncertain to increasingly bleak after another missed practice on Thursday, leaving Cleveland with a strong possibility of turning to Shedeur Sanders against the New Orleans Saints.
Watson was added late to the concussion protocol on Wednesday, which initially left the door open for him to get through the week and still suit up. That door looks much smaller now. Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com reported the latest practice update from Cleveland, and it did not help Watson’s case.
“Browns Deshaun Watson (concussion) didn’t practice again today on Thursday of Saints week. Shedeur Sanders very likely to start,” Cabot reports.
That kind of update matters. When a quarterback is still sidelined on Thursday, it usually points hard toward him missing the game, and that’s where this situation appears to be headed. Cleveland has not officially ruled Watson out yet, but it would not be a surprise if he sits out Sunday while dealing with the concussion.
If that happens, Sanders would be in line to start for Todd Monken in Week 9. The matchup comes against a Saints team that is coming off its Week 8 bye, which adds another layer to a game already shaped by Cleveland’s quarterback uncertainty.
The Browns’ depth chart would also shift behind Sanders. Dillon Gabriel would move into the backup role, while Taylen Green would become the emergency third quarterback if Watson is unable to go.
At this point, the signs are pointing in one direction. Nothing is official yet, but after two days of practice updates like this, it would be a surprise to see Watson cleared in time. The safer expectation is that Cleveland rolls with Sanders against New Orleans.
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