Deshaun Watson returns to Browns practice on Friday but remains in concussion protocol, leaving him questionable for Sunday’s clash with the New Orleans Saints. Coach Todd Monken confirms that backup quarterback Shedeur Sanders will start, praising his preparation and leadership. Sanders, who has been waiting for a chance since the offseason, gets his first start as Cleveland sits 5-3 and third in the AFC North, while Watson’s health remains uncertain.
With Deshaun Watson still in concussion protocol, Shedeur Sanders will make his first start of the 2026 season in Week 9 for the Cleveland Browns.
In a Week 9 preview, Canal Street Chronicles’ Nic Jennings says the Browns can exploit New Orleans’ run defense, which ranks tied‑fourth in yards per carry (4.8) and allows the league’s second‑most rushing touchdowns (11). He praises rookie QB Tyler Shough as the Saints’ long‑term answer, highlighting his arm, mobility and clutch play, while noting the interior defensive front as the team’s biggest weakness. Jennings predicts rookie wideout Jordyn Tyson—or, if still inactive, sixth‑rounder Barion Brown—will impact the game, and mentions lesser‑known Saints offensive talent Devaughn Vele as a potential surprise for Cleveland.
Browns head coach Todd Monken confirms Shedeur Sanders will start at quarterback for Week 9 against the New Orleans Saints after Deshaun Watson lands on the concussion protocol and is listed as questionable. The 24‑year‑old, a fifth‑round pick (144 overall) in the 2026 draft, signed a four‑year, $4.647 million rookie deal. Sanders, who played at Jackson State and Colorado under his father Deion Sanders, posted 1,400 passing yards, seven TDs and ten interceptions in eight games last season, plus 169 rushing yards and a score. His promotion follows Watson’s missed practice week.
Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders, set to make his first start of the 2026 season on Sunday versus the New Orleans Saints after Deshaun Watson lands on concussion protocol, snapped at a reporter’s question about his recent hiring of agent Adie von Gontard. Sanders, a second‑year QB drafted in the fifth round in 2025, dismissed the inquiry as irrelevant to the upcoming game, emphasizing his focus on the Saints matchup. The agent move sparked trade‑speculation, but Sanders reiterated his media wariness, recalling a contentious rookie year and pledging to keep the spotlight on on‑field performance.
The Cleveland Browns’ 27-6 Week 8 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers sparked a locker‑room firestorm after defensive end Jared Verse blamed his teammates for the defeat. On 92.3 The Fan, hosts Ken Carman and Anthony Lima lambasted Verse’s public criticism, contrasting it with rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders’ measured comments and noting Verse’s lack of production—zero sacks in eight games despite a hefty contract. The debate highlights concerns over team culture, leadership and financial impact as the Browns prepare for a matchup against New Orleans.
With the NFL trade deadline looming, the league has seen 60 deals this season, and insiders say social‑media chatter now fuels pressure on coaches, GMs and owners to act faster. In Cleveland, QB Deshaun Watson entered concussion protocol after the loss to Pittsburgh, prompting backup Shedeur Sanders to start against the Saints; head coach Todd Monken notes the offense won’t change dramatically. Meanwhile, Browns DE Jared Verse vents frustration after a legs‑sweep penalty on a Steelers extra‑point, admitting he should have rallied his teammates before the outburst. The piece blends trade‑deadline dynamics with the Browns’ immediate injury and disciplinary storylines.
After a Week 8 bye, the New Orleans Saints land the No. 8 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. The article highlights two first‑round candidates: Indiana wideout Charlie Becker, praised for clutch catches and playmaking ability, and cornerback Kelley Jones, noted for his length and fit in a potential man‑heavy scheme. With WR Jordyn Tyson already selected and veteran Devaughn Vele possibly trade‑blocked, Becker could become a valuable WR2. Meanwhile, the Saints’ secondary struggles make Jones an attractive upgrade if they stick with Kellen Moore’s defense.
In a Week 9 showdown at the Caesars Superdome, the New Orleans Saints host the Cleveland Browns. Analyst Chris Pokorny grades Browns head coach Todd Monken a B‑, noting early struggles, a brief Coach of the Year buzz, and recent blowout loss to Pittsburgh. He praises Monken’s in‑game adjustments and Deshaun Watson’s resurgence, but flags Watson’s sack rate, penalties, and a potential concussion that could sideline him Sunday. The Browns’ run defense has been porous against the Titans and Steelers, while their pass coverage remains strong. Pokorny suggests the Saints should attack the ground game and monitor rookie LB Carson Schwesinger’s ankle issue.
The New Orleans Saints name head team physician Dr. W. Stephen Choate as their 2026 nominee for the USAA/NFL Salute to Service Award, recognizing his outstanding support for the military community. In his ninth season with the Saints, Dr. Choate also serves as an orthopedic surgeon at Ochsner Sports Medicine Institute. He previously spent four years as a U.S. Air Force major, deploying for Operation Enduring Freedom and earning the Air Force Commendation Medal. His military leadership earned multiple patient‑care honors, and he now applies that same discipline to the Saints’ athletes. Finalists will be announced in January, with the winner revealed at NFL Honors in February.
The Canal Street Chronicles previews the Saints‑Browns clash, highlighting Cleveland’s battered offense without starter Deshaun Watson, who’s in concussion protocol and will be replaced by rookie Shedeur Sanders. The Browns rank 24th in total offense (301 ypg), 24th in rushing (97 ypg), and last in pass protection after surrendering 33 sacks. Key threats include RB Quinshon Judkins, TE/leading receiver Harold Fannin Jr., rookie WR KC Concepcion Jr., and veterans Jerry Jeudy and Denzel Boston. New Orleans struggles defensively, allowing 139 rushing yards (29th) and a porous secondary, but boasts sack star Chase Young. The article questions whether the Saints can pressure the backup QB and improve a weak run defense.
The New Orleans Saints return from a bye to host the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, a game that could showcase 2025 draft quarterbacks Tyler Shough and Shedeur Sanders (if Deshaun Watson remains sidelined with a concussion). Despite a 2‑5 start, the Saints sit just one game behind the NFC South leader, making a win crucial for division hopes. With key players Jordyn Tyson and Kelvin Banks Jr. back, the prediction favors New Orleans 27‑24, provided the offense limits turnovers and scores early.
A weekly poll of DBN users shows Cleveland Browns fan confidence hovering around 60% after eight games in the 2026 season. Confidence dipped to 21% after the Week 1 loss, rose with a Week 2 win, fell again after a Week 5 defeat, and slipped after a recent 31-10 loss to the Steelers. The article highlights the fanbase’s roller‑coaster sentiment and asks whether the upcoming Week 9 matchup against the 2‑5 New Orleans Saints will boost morale under first‑year head coach Todd Monken.
Cleveland Browns starter Shedeur Sanders draws criticism for his vague, off‑beat answers at a post‑practice press conference ahead of his first start against the New Orleans Saints. When asked about film study, Sanders responded with a cryptic smile and “I’m maturing,” leaving reporters questioning his preparation and professionalism. Media analyst Mary Kay Cabot and co‑host Anthony Lima note the contrast with other QBs and suggest the Browns need to manage the media‑relationship issue before the Sunday game. The piece probes whether Sanders can mature into a more articulate leader as fans await his debut performance.
For NFL Week 9 fantasy managers needing a quarterback streamer, ClutchPoints highlights four options. Jordan Love (GB vs. NE) follows a strong stretch with 30‑41, 288 yards, 3 TDs and just one interception, offering QB1 upside if he curbs turnovers. Bo Nix (DEN vs. CAR) posted 20‑32, 222 yards and 2 TDs without a pick in Week 8 and has four consecutive TD passes, making him a solid pick. Matthew Stafford (LAR vs. WAS) shows experience but limited yardage (157 yards, 1 TD) and faces the loss of Davante Adams, so he’s a deeper‑league fallback. Tyler Shough (NO vs. CLE) delivered 30‑38, 278 yards and high accuracy in Week 7 but lacks TD volume, fitting two‑QB or deeper formats. Love and Nix emerge as the top streaming candidates.
The Saints’ rookie unit continues to struggle, prompting a push for new contributors as the team heads into Week 9 against the Browns. Meanwhile, former Saint defensive lineman has signed with Sean Payton’s Denver Broncos, adding depth for Denver while highlighting New Orleans’ free‑agent turnover. The article also notes Jordyn Tyson’s anticipated NFL debut and the D‑line coach’s frustration with underperforming tackles. Fans are invited to discuss who they hope will improve in the rookie class.
Deshaun Watson remains sidelined in concussion protocol, clearing the way for rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders to make his first start of the season against the New Orleans Saints. The Browns, sitting at 5-3, hope Sanders can play mistake‑free to secure a crucial win before Watson returns next week. Meanwhile, Cleveland grapples with lingering culture issues, new offensive injuries, and roster tweaks, while analysts debate the team's chances against a re‑energized Saints. With Todd Monken’s coaching decisions under scrutiny, the upcoming matchup could shape the Browns' mid‑season trajectory.
Falcons defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich says returning DE James Pearce Jr. will ease into a primary pass‑rush role, with his snap count adjusted based on performance. Panthers interim DC Todd Wash pushes for ultra‑fast defensive adjustments, emphasizes a shift toward 3‑4 personnel, and aims to free DT Derrick Brown from double teams, while noting former LB coach Mayur Chaudhari’s departure. Saints fire run‑game coordinator T.J. Paganetti before Week 9, handing rushing duties to OL coach Brendan Nugent as head coach Kellen Moore seeks to streamline workflow and tweak schematics; lineman David Edwards links the move to recent offensive line struggles. Moore also welcomes RB Audric Estime back after his brief stint with the Browns.
The Seattle Seahawks’ October 5, 2010 trade for Marshawn Lynch from the Buffalo Bills proves the franchise’s most impactful in‑season acquisition. Sending a 2011 fourth‑round and a conditional 2012 fifth‑round pick, the Seahawks gained a power runner whose 67‑yard "Beast Quake" TD in the January 2011 wild‑card win sparked a 41‑36 upset over New Orleans. Lynch rushed for 1,204 yards in 2011, a career‑high 1,590 in 2012, and helped Seattle win Super Bowl XLVIII and reach Super Bowl XLIX, earning four Pro Bowls and two All‑Pro honors. The trade reshaped Seattle’s identity and remains a benchmark for mid‑season moves.
The Saints finish Week 9’s second practice with running back CJ Donaldson listed as a DNP due to a shoulder injury and possible concussion ahead of Sunday’s home game against the Browns. Defensive tackle Davon Godchaux takes a rest day, while tackle Kelvin Banks Jr., WR Jordyn Tyson, RB Alvin Kamara, CB Martin Emerson and tackle Asim Richards have limited participation for ankle, hamstring, back, shin and thumb issues respectively. Guard Cesar Ruiz is fully healthy. No Browns injuries are listed yet.
Deshaun Watson's future for the Browns' Week 10 showdown with the New Orleans Saints hangs in the balance after he entered the NFL concussion protocol following a helmet‑to‑helmet hit by Steelers safety Jaquan Brisker in a 27‑6 loss to Pittsburgh. Watson finished the game with 324 yards but reported concussion symptoms Monday night, prompting the Browns to sideline him. Backup Shedeur Sanders, who threw two short passes before a fumble, is now slated to make his first start of the 2026 season. Cleveland sits 5‑3, just one game behind the Steelers, making Sanders' debut a pivotal moment in the AFC North race.
The Kansas City Chiefs add 25‑year‑old wide receiver Bub Means to their practice squad, according to the NFL Transactions Report on November 5, 2026. Means, a 2024 fifth‑round pick of the New Orleans Saints, appeared in seven games as a rookie, posting 118 yards on nine catches. After being cut by the Saints and stints on the Cleveland Browns’ practice squad, he impressed in a Kansas City tryout and joins practice‑squad mates Justin Watson and Jacob De Jesus. Means' 2023 college stats include 395 yards and five TDs on deep passes, and he boasts a 4.43‑second 40‑yard dash from the 2024 combine.
The Cleveland Browns list tight end Harold Fannin Jr. on the Week 9 injury report before traveling to New Orleans to face the Saints. Fannin, the team's top receiving threat with 411 yards, three TDs and 35 catches in eight games, is dealing with a lower‑body/groin issue that limited his practice Thursday. Though he may still practice fully before Sunday, his status remains uncertain, raising concerns for the Browns' passing attack against Tyler Shough and the Saints at the Caesars Superdome.
The Browns head into Week 9 without starting quarterback Deshaun Watson (concussion) and may lose defensive tackle Maliek Collins (elbow). Tight end Harold Fannin Jr. also returns to the injury report with a groin issue that ended his rookie season. Meanwhile, the Saints aim to get wide receiver Jordyn Tyson and offensive tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. back on the field, but still list several players as limited or out, including RB Alvin Kamara (back) and CB Martin Emerson (shin). With Cleveland adding more injuries, the Saints enter the matchup as favorites.
The Browns travel to New Orleans for Week 9 after a bruising loss to Pittsburgh, now forced to start rookie Shedeur Sanders at quarterback following Deshaun Watson’s concussion. Meanwhile the Saints, fresh off a bye, are expected to rally behind rookie QB Tyler Shough, who benefits from a healthier roster and new additions like RB Audric Estimé and kicker Charlie Smyth. Media picks are split, with CBS’s Pete Prisco favoring a 17‑14 Saints win, John Breech backing a 20‑17 Browns victory, and Sporting News forecasting a narrow 23‑20 Saints edge. Run games for both sides remain a concern, making predictions hinge on quarterback play and defensive adjustments.