Browns Plan to Start Deshaun Watson in Week 10 Against Houston

Deshaun Watson is expected to reclaim the starting quarterback role for the Cleveland Browns in Week 10 against the Houston Texans.

The Cleveland Browns intend to start Deshaun Watson at quarterback for their Week 10 matchup against the Houston Texans, according to a report from ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler on Monday. Watson, who led the team to a 5-3 record earlier this season, missed Sunday’s game after failing to clear concussion protocol until Saturday. Despite his winning record, Watson entered Week 9 with a 40.9 QBR, which ranked 28th among 30 qualifying NFL quarterbacks.

Shedeur Sanders started in Watson's place during a 23-22 overtime loss to the New Orleans Saints. Sanders completed 19 of 31 passes for 297 yards and two touchdowns, including a 64-yard scoring strike to KC Concepcion and a 39-yard touchdown to Harold Fannin Jr. in the extra period. The rookie also recorded a 60-yard completion to Denzel Boston, doubling Watson's total of 60-yard throws from the first eight games of the season. Sanders' performance ended when his two-point conversion attempt to win the game fell incomplete.

Coach Todd Monken noted on Monday that he was not yet ready to officially announce a decision, stating he needed to review game film and meet with the offensive staff. Monken praised Sanders for showing composure and escaping pressure despite not having taken reps with the first-team offense for 10 weeks prior to the Saints game. Watson has recorded an NFL-high five winning drives this season but will face his former team next as Cleveland looks to bounce back from the one-point defeat.