The Cleveland Browns have Deshaun Watson starting at quarterback, leaving Shedeur Sanders waiting for his opportunity. The decision has raised questions about when the rookie could eventually see the field.

NFL analyst Anthony Lima of 92.3 The Fan suggested the Browns may simply have viewed Watson as the better quarterback at this stage:

“Stuff was going on in the periphery, or maybe they just really thought that Deshaun was a better quarterback at this stage. Not that it's doomed for Shedeur.”

Lima made clear that Watson’s selection does not close the door on Sanders. The Browns gave Watson the starting job after evaluating the quarterbacks through the offseason, training camp, and preseason.

Watson then helped Cleveland beat Tampa Bay 23-19 in Week 2, throwing for 238 yards and two touchdowns. For Sanders, the situation remains one of patience.

Lima believes the rookie can still receive an opportunity, even if Watson remains the starter for now.

Deshaun Watson’s Injury History Could Open the Door for Shedeur Sanders

Deshaun Watson has dealt with injuries throughout his career, and another setback could open the door for Shedeur Sanders.

Anthony Lima pointed to several other players who have dealt with injuries before turning to Watson’s own injury history.

The NFL analyst said he expects the Browns to see Sanders, noting Watson had been “at times kinda injury-prone at this stage of his career."

His point was not that Cleveland should abandon its decision, but that Sanders remains positioned to step in if circumstances changed. 

That could give the rookie a chance to show what he can do without the Browns reversing their decision.

Written by

Sayantan