The time has come for Shedeur Sanders fans. It isn’t quite happening in the way many of his fans envisioned it playing out, but Sanders will finally take the mantle as Cleveland Browns starting quarterback this Sunday. It will be his first start of the 2026 NFL season.

Sanders will start against the New Orleans Saints due to Deshaun Watson still recovering from a concussion. Watson experienced concussion-like symptoms a couple of days after the team’s loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, paving the way for Sanders to finally get his chance.

Sanders will want to win, first and foremost, but a strong performance could potentially create a quarterback controversy. Watson has been very inconsistent this season, and his lows have been very low. But in order for Sanders to truly break out, he needs all of the Browns weapons at his disposal. Thankfully, he got great news on that front right before the game.

Harold Fannin Jr. and Denzel Boston are off injury report for Week 9

Despite being limited during practice on Thursday and Friday due to a groin injury, second-year tight end Harold Fannin Jr. said he feels good, albeit sore, heading into the game. He enters Week 9 without an injury designation. The only player that’s out is defensive tackle Maliek Collins. Watson is questionable, but reports suggest Sanders will start regardless.

Fannin will provide Sanders with his most-trusted pass-catching target. Fannin has turned into a star in his second season in the league. Rookies Denzel Boston – who is also off the injury report after being limited with a calf injury – and KC Concepcion will round out the pass-catching trio, with running backs Quinshon Judkins and Dylan Sampson healthy and ready to roll for Sanders’ first start.