{
  "id": 12854516,
  "title": "Shedeur Sanders’ Browns future under more scrutiny after Todd Monken comments",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/08/shedeur-sanders-browns-future-under-more-scrutiny-after-todd-monken",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-08T11:20:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/shedeur-sanders-browns-future-under-112000320.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Cleveland Browns have been an unexpected success in the 2026 NFL season under head coach Todd Monken, who has opted to start Deshaun Watson as the franchise quarterback. Watson has led the team to a 3-1 record in the first four weeks, including three consecutive wins. However, the future of backup quarterback Shedeur Sanders, Monken's fifth-round pick, appears increasingly uncertain as Watson continues to excel. This uncertainty may be further exacerbated by comments from Monken regarding injured quarterback Dillon Gabriel. Following Gabriel's return from a back injury, Monken expressed enthusiasm about having him back in practice, stating that the veteran will receive reps, either on the practice squad or individually. Sanders, who did not secure the starting job over the offseason, will now be competing with Gabriel for the backup position. The pressure to perform may now weigh heavily on Sanders' future with the team, as an injury to Watson could no longer ensure his continued playing time under Monken.",
  "summary": "The Cleveland Browns have been one of the real surprise packages so far in the 2026 NFL season following Todd Monken’s decision to make Deshaun Watson the starting quarterback. Through the opening four weeks, Watson has led the Browns to an AFC North-leading 3-1 record that has included three wins on the bounce.",
  "key_points": [
    "Cleveland Browns led 3-1 in first four weeks under Todd Monken.",
    "Shedeur Sanders, backup QB, future uncertain with Watson's success.",
    "Todd Monken favors returning Dillon Gabriel over Shedeur Sanders."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}