Deshaun Watson Returns After Injury Check; Shedeur Sanders Briefly Replaces Him Against Steelers

Deshaun Watson returned to the Cleveland Browns’ game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday after a first-quarter medical evaluation briefly put Shedeur Sanders at quarterback. Watson resumed playing on Cleveland’s second possession and finished the 27–6 loss with 324 passing yards.

Watson left following a hit by Pittsburgh defensive back Jaquan Brisker on the opening drive at Acrisure Stadium. Brisker was penalized for roughing the passer, giving the Browns a first down. Watson went to the medical tent while Sanders took over the offense.

Sanders handled four plays before Watson returned, according to Akron Beacon Journal reporter Chris Easterling. Two Cleveland penalties and a fumble by tight end Harold Fannin Jr. interrupted the possession. The temporary substitution ended when the Browns next had the ball.

Watson completed 27 of 39 passes, according to Cleveland’s official postgame report. Fannin caught 10 passes for 154 yards, but the Browns managed only two field goals. Cleveland did not score after halftime and fell to 5–3 overall and 2–1 against AFC North opponents.

Pittsburgh sacked Cleveland’s quarterbacks eight times. The Browns lost fumbles on their first two possessions, including one by Watson after he returned. An early fourth-quarter drive reached Pittsburgh’s 5-yard line before Cleveland turned the ball over on downs when Denzel Boston was ruled out of bounds on an end-zone pass.

Sanders previously relieved Watson for one play during Cleveland’s Week 3 victory over Carolina. His official team record lists seven starts as a rookie in 2025, when he passed for 1,400 yards with seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions. Cleveland selected him 144th overall in that year’s draft.

Coach Todd Monken chose Watson to start the season following Cleveland’s quarterback competition. That decision was announced August 24. The Browns’ next game is at New Orleans on November 8 at 1 p.m. EST.