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SportsMoving now · day 7

Shedeur Sanders set to start for Browns at Saints as Watson remains in concussion protocol

Cleveland turns to Sanders for his first 2026 start, and his comments about facing New Orleans' defense have drawn a response from Saints players.

newest coverage 3d agosummary written 1d ago171 pieces1.1k likes & upvotes115 comments NewswiresMastodonRedditXGoogle News

What to know

  • Deshaun Watson has been in the NFL's concussion protocol since Nov. 4 after a helmet-to-helmet hit vs. the Steelers and did not clear it by Friday's practice.
  • Shedeur Sanders is confirmed to make his first start of the 2026 season at New Orleans in Watson's place.
  • Sanders' pregame comments about the Saints defense were read as a subtle shot, prompting Saints DE Carl Granderson and teammates to respond with a 'chip on our shoulder' mentality.
  • Online reaction is split between fans enjoying the budding rivalry and those calling it manufactured hype.

The dispute Fans disagree on whether Sanders' comments and the Saints' response constitute a real rivalry worth following or a manufactured storyline. · positions read across 14 posts and comments

some voices

The pileup of injuries across Harbaugh-coaching-tree quarterbacks is darkly comic bad luck for Cleveland's QB room.

  • “Let's check on the Harbaugh coaching tree's Quarterbacks this season: John - Out for the season Monken - Injured MacDonald - Injured Minter - Probably out for the season and the backup is out for the season Jim - Bad”

    Bambino_Amino · reddit ↗
some voices

Fans want Sanders to perform well and are tuning out outside noise and criticism.

  • “the better he looks the better for the Browns....who gives af about his fans just ignore the noise and hope the guy has a decent game so we have a chance to win”

    Mab_894 · reddit ↗
some voices

Watson's concussion symptoms were visibly apparent from the original hit, even without a medical background.

  • “Symptoms may not start immediately but I could have told you this was a concussion without hindsight, and I'm no doctor. Just someone who has had a lot of concussions.”

    Rock_Strongo · reddit ↗

Shedeur SandersShedeur Sanders Browns quarterbackDeshaun WatsonDeshaun Watson Browns starting quarterbackTodd Monken Browns head coachCarl Granderson Saints defensive end

Shedeur Sanders set to start for Browns at Saints as Watson remains in concussion protocol
Yahoo Sports

How it unfolded 8 developments, newest first · click a bar or a number to jump articlespostscomments

Peak 19 pieces in two hours at Nov 4, 8 AM; 171 pieces over 7 days (149 articles · 17 posts · 5 comments) Nov 1, 12 PM — 13 pieces · 10 articles · 3 posts — Newswires 10, Mastodon 2, Reddit 1Nov 1, 2 PM — quietNov 1, 4 PM — quietNov 1, 6 PM — quietNov 1, 8 PM — quietNov 1, 10 PM — quietNov 2, 12 AM — quietNov 2, 2 AM — quietNov 2, 4 AM — quietNov 2, 6 AM — quietNov 2, 8 AM — quietNov 2, 10 AM — quietNov 2, 12 PM — quietNov 2, 2 PM — quietNov 2, 4 PM — quietNov 2, 6 PM — quietNov 2, 8 PM — quietNov 2, 10 PM — quietNov 3, 12 AM — quietNov 3, 2 AM — quietNov 3, 4 AM — quietNov 3, 6 AM — quietNov 3, 8 AM — quietNov 3, 10 AM — quietNov 3, 12 PM — quietNov 3, 2 PM — quietNov 3, 4 PM — quietNov 3, 6 PM — quietNov 3, 8 PM — quietNov 3, 10 PM — quietNov 4, 12 AM — quietNov 4, 2 AM — quietNov 4, 4 AM — quietNov 4, 6 AM — quietNov 4, 8 AM — 19 pieces · 16 articles · 3 posts — Newswires 16, X 2, Reddit 1Nov 4, 10 AM — 9 pieces · 9 articles — Newswires 6, Google News 3Nov 4, 12 PM — 6 pieces · 4 articles · 2 comments — Newswires 4, Reddit 2Nov 4, 2 PM — 7 pieces · 7 articles — Newswires 7Nov 4, 4 PM — 2 pieces · 1 article · 1 comment — Reddit 1, Newswires 1Nov 4, 6 PM — 5 pieces · 4 articles · 1 post — Newswires 4, Mastodon 1Nov 4, 8 PM — 1 piece · 1 article — Newswires 1Nov 4, 10 PM — quietNov 5, 12 AM — 3 pieces · 2 articles · 1 post — Newswires 2, Mastodon 1Nov 5, 2 AM — quietNov 5, 4 AM — 2 pieces · 2 articles — Newswires 2Nov 5, 6 AM — 5 pieces · 5 articles — Newswires 5Nov 5, 8 AM — 1 piece · 1 article — Newswires 1Nov 5, 10 AM — 1 piece · 1 article — Newswires 1Nov 5, 12 PM — 3 pieces · 3 articles — Newswires 3Nov 5, 2 PM — 2 pieces · 1 article · 1 post — Newswires 1, X 1Nov 5, 4 PM — 2 pieces · 2 articles — Newswires 2Nov 5, 6 PM — 1 piece · 1 article — Newswires 1Nov 5, 8 PM — 1 piece · 1 article — Newswires 1Nov 5, 10 PM — 3 pieces · 3 articles — Newswires 3Nov 6, 12 AM — 1 piece · 1 article — Newswires 1Nov 6, 2 AM — quietNov 6, 4 AM — 1 piece · 1 article — Newswires 1Nov 6, 6 AM — quietNov 6, 8 AM — 1 piece · 1 article — Newswires 1Nov 6, 10 AM — 5 pieces · 4 articles · 1 post — Newswires 4, X 1Nov 6, 12 PM — 16 pieces · 13 articles · 3 posts — Newswires 13, Mastodon 1, Reddit 1, +1 moreNov 6, 2 PM — 10 pieces · 7 articles · 2 posts · 1 comment — Newswires 7, Mastodon 1, Reddit 1, +1 moreNov 6, 4 PM — 3 pieces · 2 articles · 1 post — Newswires 2, Mastodon 1Nov 6, 6 PM — 3 pieces · 3 articles — Newswires 3Nov 6, 8 PM — 2 pieces · 2 articles — Newswires 2Nov 6, 10 PM — quietYesterday, 12 AM — 1 piece · 1 article — Newswires 1Yesterday, 2 AM — quietYesterday, 4 AM — 2 pieces · 2 articles — Newswires 2Yesterday, 6 AM — 3 pieces · 3 articles — Newswires 3Yesterday, 8 AM — 2 pieces · 2 articles — Newswires 2Yesterday, 10 AM — 2 pieces · 2 articles — Newswires 2Yesterday, 12 PM — 12 pieces · 10 articles · 1 post · 1 comment — Newswires 7, Google News 3, Reddit 2Yesterday, 2 PM — 2 pieces · 2 articles — Newswires 2Yesterday, 4 PM — 2 pieces · 2 articles — Newswires 2Yesterday, 6 PM — quietYesterday, 8 PM — 3 pieces · 3 articles — Newswires 3Yesterday, 10 PM — quietToday, 12 AM — quietToday, 2 AM — 1 piece · 1 article — Newswires 1Today, 4 AM — 1 piece · 1 article — Newswires 1Today, 6 AM — 1 piece · 1 article — Newswires 1Today, 8 AM — 8 pieces · 8 articles — Newswires 8Today, 10 AM — 3 pieces · 3 articles — Newswires 3 12–3456–78
Nov 2Nov 3Nov 4Nov 5Nov 6yesterdaynow · 12:48 PM ET
  1. 8

    Fans split over whether the Sanders-Saints 'beef' is real

    Social reaction to the exchange divided between fans who welcomed the rivalry storyline and those who dismissed it as manufactured hype.

    “‘We Need More of This,’ ‘Making Up Fake Beef’…”
    — NFL fans

    1. 1 outlet first by Yahoo Sports, 1d ago · read ↗

    • Then they sign me out of desperation, and I also play like shit. But then I could at least buy a new washer and dryer.

      Apathir/nfl23h agoview on r/nfl ↗
  2. 7

    Granderson and Saints respond with 'chip on our shoulder'

    Saints defensive end Carl Granderson and teammates pushed back on Sanders' comments, framing New Orleans' defense as motivated heading into Sanders' first 2026 start.

    “chip on our shoulder…”
    — Saints players
    1. 3 outlets Carl Granderson reacts to Browns QB Shedeur Sanders' Saints comments

      first by Yahoo Sports, 1d ago · also NY Post, Chicago Tribune

      4 more headlines
  3. 6

    Browns formally name Sanders starter for Saints game

    Multiple outlets confirmed Sanders will make his first start of 2026 against New Orleans, with Watson possibly available only as a backup if cleared.

    “the better he looks the better for the Browns....who gives af about his fans just ignore the noise and hope the guy has a decent game so we have a chance to win…”
    — Mab_894, Reddit commenter · source
    1. 1 outlet Browns Make Final Call on Deshaun Watson Ahead of Saints Game

      first by Yahoo Sports, 1d ago

      1 more headline
    2. 1 outlet NFL protocol, not Browns, picks QB for Saints game

      first by Cleveland.com, 2d ago

    1 more claim →

    • More about the Cleveland Browns starting Shedeur Sanders for Sunday’s game at New Orleans Saints as Deshaun Watson remains in concussion protocol, via @DanielOyefusi:

      @AdamSchefterX1d ago77▲view on X ↗
    1 more of the top 2 · 3 posts in this stretch

    • the better he looks the better for the Browns....who gives af about his fans just ignore the noise and hope the guy has a decent game so we have a chance to win

      Mab_894r/nfl1d agoview on r/nfl ↗
    all of them →
  4. 5

    Monken confirms Sanders as starter, Watson still not cleared

    Browns coach Todd Monken confirmed Sanders would start at quarterback Sunday, while Watson, though practicing, had not yet cleared the concussion protocol.

    “Shedeur Sanders will start at QB for the Browns Sunday, per Todd Monken.”
    — @AndrewSiciliano
    1. 2 outlets Shedeur Sanders likely to start for Browns with Deshaun Watson injured

      first by Yahoo Sports, 3d ago · also Sporting News

      1 more headline
    2. 1 outlet What This Browns Veteran Had To Say About Shedeur Sanders' Opportunity To Start Sunday

      first by Sports Illustrated, 3d ago

      1 more headline

    • Shedeur Sanders will start at QB for the Browns Sunday, per Todd Monken. Deshaun Watson is questionable, but still hasn't cleared concussion protocol.

      @AndrewSicilianoX1d ago59▲view on X ↗
    1 more of the top 2 · 2 posts in this stretch

    • Browns QB Deshaun Watson (concussion) back practicing.

      @ScottPetrakX2d ago17▲view on X ↗
    all of them →
  5. 4

    Sanders' comments on Saints defense read as a subtle shot

    Sanders' remarks about taking over from Watson and his matchup against the Saints defense were characterized as a veiled jab, setting up a week of back-and-forth before the game.

    1. 1 outlet Can the Browns fix their run defense against the Saints?

      first by Cleveland.com, 1d ago

    • Browns QB Deshaun Watson did not practice again Thursday while he remains in concussion protocol; Shedeur Sanders is in line to start Sunday vs. the Saints.

      @AdamSchefterX2d ago382▲view on X ↗
  6. 1 day quiet
  7. 3

    Sanders reported next in line to start vs. Saints

    With Watson sidelined by protocol, reporting indicated Sanders was positioned to make his first start of the season against New Orleans.

    “With Deshaun Watson in concussion protocol, Browns QB Sheduer Sanders is next in line to start on Sunday’s game vs. the Saints.”
    — @AdamSchefter
    1. 10 outlets Deshaun Watson enters concussion protocol, leaving Browns eyeing Shedeur Sanders as possible starting QB

      first by Fox News, 4d ago · also Yahoo Sports, Newsweek, Philadelphia Inquirer, Cleveland Browns, ESPN, ESPN NFL +3

      12 more headlines
    2. 2 outlets Shedeur Sanders Backs Deshaun Watson Ahead of Potential Start Against Saints

      first by Sports Illustrated, 3d ago · also Newsweek

      1 more headline
    2 more claims →

    • With Deshaun Watson in concussion protocol, Browns QB Sheduer Sanders is next in line to start on Sunday’s game vs. the Saints.

      @AdamSchefterX4d ago322▲view on X ↗
    2 more of the top 3 · 5 posts in this stretch
    • clevelandbrowns@channels.im

      Shedeur Sanders’ Saints Defense Comments Sound Like a Subtle Shot Getty Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders The New Orleans Saints defense just received a telling message from Browns… # NFL # ClevelandBrowns # Cleveland # Browns # browns # cleveland # Football

      clevelandbrowns@channels.imMastodon3d ago1▲view on Mastodon ↗

    • Let's check on the Harbaugh coaching tree's Quarterbacks this season: John - Out for the season Monken - Injured MacDonald - Injured Minter - Probably out for the season and the backup is out for the season Jim - Bad

      Bambino_Aminor/nfl3d agoview on r/nfl ↗
    all of them →
  8. 2

    Browns place Watson in concussion protocol

    The team officially announced Watson had developed concussion symptoms after the Steelers hit and was placed in the NFL's concussion protocol, jeopardizing his Week 9 availability.

    “Deshaun Watson has been placed in concussion protocol…”
    — Cleveland Browns

    1. 5 outlets first by Yahoo Sports, 4d ago · also Sporting News, NY Post, CBS Sports, The New York Times · read ↗

    2. 4 outlets first by ESPN, 23h ago · also Yahoo Sports, Newsweek, ESPN NFL · read ↗

    2 more claims →

    • Deshaun Watson has been placed in concussion protocol

      @BrownsX4d ago241▲view on X ↗
  9. 2 days quiet
  10. 1

    Watson exits with head injury, Sanders fills in for four plays

    Watson left the Browns' Week 8 game against the Steelers after a penalized helmet-to-helmet hit from Jaquan Brisker; Sanders entered on the first drive before Watson returned.

    1. 5 outlets What Deshaun Watson injury update means for Shedeur Sanders

      first by Sporting News, 1d ago · also Yahoo Sports, ESPN NFL, ESPN, Philadelphia Inquirer

      4 more headlines
    2. 3 outlets Browns make big Shedeur Sanders announcement for Week 9 amid Deshaun Watson's injury

      first by Sporting News, 1d ago · also Yahoo Sports, CBS Sports

      4 more headlines
    2 more claims →

    • Deshaun Watson injury update after Browns QB leaves following penalized hit https://www. usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/ browns/2026/11/01/deshaun-watson-injury-shedeur-sanders-browns-quarterback/92550639007/?utm_source=flipboard&utm_medium=activitypub Posted into Sports @ sports-USAToday

      USAToday@flipboard.comMastodon6d agoview on Mastodon ↗

Also covered reported alongside — the timeline has no entry for these yet

  1. 2 outlets Experts release final Browns vs. Saints predictions as Shedeur Sanders officially named starter for Week 9

    first by Cleveland.com, 1d ago · also Yahoo Sports

    6 more headlines
  2. 2 outlets Browns’ Shedeur Sanders hype video drops ahead of first start of season

    first by Yahoo Sports, 19h ago · also Fox News

    2 more headlines
  3. 2 outlets Deshaun Watson returns to practice on Friday of Saints week after missing 2 days with his concussion; not cleared from the protocol yet

    first by Cleveland.com, 2d ago · also Yahoo Sports

    1 more headline
  4. 2 outlets Deshaun Watson idle again and Shedeur Sanders a virtual lock vs. Saints; Jared Verse disappointed in his production

    first by Cleveland.com, 2d ago · also Yahoo Sports

    1 more headline
  5. 2 outlets Shedeur Sanders' Browns teammates say he 'ready to take that step'

    first by Yahoo Sports, 3d ago · also Newsweek

    1 more headline
  6. 2 outlets Deshaun Watson injury update: Shedeur Sanders replaces injured Browns QB

    first by Yahoo Sports, 6d ago · also Sporting News

    3 more headlines
  7. 1 outlet Shedeur Sanders’ have a shot at Deshaun Watson’s job? Talking to myself about it

    first by Yahoo Sports, 1d ago

    1 more headline
  8. 1 outlet Browns’ Todd Monken reveals why he’s pumped for Shedeur Sanders to get first start of 2026

    first by Yahoo Sports, 3d ago

    2 more headlines
  9. 1 outlet Deshaun Watson not at Browns practice; Shedeur Sanders gets starter reps

    first by Yahoo Sports, 2d ago

    1 more headline
  10. 1 outlet Shedeur Sanders really wants to talk trash on Saints’ defense, but he’s ‘maturing’

    first by Yahoo Sports, 3d ago

    4 more headlines

and 30 smaller pieces

What people are saying 2 voices from 1 site · best of 14 · verbatim

Still unanswered
  • Will Deshaun Watson clear the concussion protocol in time to return as starter after this week?
  • Is the Sanders-Saints 'beef' genuine motivation or overblown media narrative?