Former Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders made his first start of the NFL season for the Cleveland Browns in their matchup against the New Orleans Saints. Although Cleveland couldn't pull off an overtime win, Sanders put together a solid performance in the 23-22 loss.
Sanders got the start after the Browns' starter for their first eight games, DeShaun Watson, was placed in the concussion protocol on Tuesday. Although Watson was ultimately cleared to play, Cleveland decided to start Sanders since he had all the first-team reps in practice.
The game started slow for both offenses, with a 3-3 score at halftime and 6-6 going into the fourth quarter. But things heated up in the final 15 minutes of regulation, starting with a 64-yard touchdown
pass by Sanders to rookie receiver KC Concepcion. After New Orleans responded with a touchdown of their own, Sanders led the Browns into field goal range in the final seconds of the fourth quarter, sending it to overtime.
KC FIRST TOUCHDOWN ON A 64 YARD PLAY#CLEvsNO on CBS pic.twitter.com/p4CPhjtQPA
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) November 8, 2026
New Orleans scored a touchdown in overtime, so Sanders needed to lead a game-winning touchdown drive. He did so with his second touchdown of the game, this time to his tight end Harold Fannin Jr. The Browns went for a two-point conversion to win instead of tying the game. Sanders was flushed out to the right and couldn't connect with Denzel Boston.
39 YARD TD FOR THE YAC KING HAROLD FANNIN!#CLEvsNO on CBS pic.twitter.com/EwW2lYo1UA
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) November 8, 2026
It is unclear if Sanders will remain the starter for Cleveland's next game against the Houston Texans, but it was a better-than-solid performance for the second-year signal caller.
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This article originally appeared on Buffaloes Wire: Shedeur Sanders throws two touchdowns in Browns' OT loss to Saints
