Shedeur Sanders to start for Cleveland Browns as Deshaun Watson remains in concussion protocol

Shedeur Sanders will make his first start of the season at quarterback for the Cleveland Browns in the NFL, against the New Orleans Saints, the team has said.

Regular quarterback Deshaun Watson has been in the concussion protocol all week and has not practised. Browns coach Todd Monken said Sanders will therefore start, and he praised Sanders' performance in practice.

Monken said he liked Sanders' confidence and the way he operated. He said Sanders looked very comfortable getting team-mates in and out of the huddle and threw the ball extremely well.

The decision will not change even if Watson clears the concussion protocol on Saturday. After Watson missed three days of practice, the Browns will start Sanders regardless of whether Watson is cleared.

Last week Sanders entered the game for four plays when Watson left to undergo a concussion evaluation, completing two passes for 2 yards. Watson returned to that game after being cleared by an unaffiliated neurotrauma consultant.

The 10-year veteran Watson, however, began experiencing concussion symptoms on Monday night, when he was placed in the concussion protocol. He has not practised since.

Sanders, 24, started the final seven games of his rookie season last year, going 3-4 while completing 56.2 percent of his passes for 1,400 yards, with seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions.

The Browns held a quarterback competition throughout this year's training camp, but Watson won the job. Sanders said his playing time last season was valuable and that he could tap back into that memory bank. He said being with his team-mates every day in the off-season and still getting throws in meant the team had not lost a step.

Sunday's opponents, the New Orleans Saints, have struggled defensively, ranking 28th in the league in total defence and 23rd against the pass.

The Browns are 5-3 this season and are looking to avoid consecutive losses for the first time this season. The Saints are 2-5 and are coming off their bye week.