Shedeur Sanders comes in for Deshaun Watson in 1st quarter at Steelers

PITTSBURGH― Shedeur Sanders has replaced Deshaun Watson at quarterback for the Browns against the Pittsburgh SteelerxsSanders made his season debut at quarterback with 13:33 remaining in the first quarter. The Browns were on the opening drive of the game,Watson was knocked out of the game by a helmet-to-helmet hit by the Steelers' Jaquan Brisker. The hit gave the Browns a first down on third-and-8 from the Cleveland 29Subscribe to Browns Insider newsletterIt was the second time this season Sanders has come into the game for Watson. He replaced him for one play in the fourth quarter of the Week 3 win over the Carolina Panthers after Watson was hit late by Panthers linebacker Bobby Okereke, but Watson returned after the two-minute warning.Sanders, the son of Pro Football Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, started the final seven games of his rookie season. He also made his debut that season coming off the bench, replacing then-starter Dillon Gabriel after he sustained a concussion in Week 11 against the Baltimore Ravens.The fifth-round pick out of the University of Colorado completed 56.6% of his passes for 1,400 yards with seven touchdowns, 10 interceptions, a 68.1 passer rating and 23 sacks as a rookie. He would be added to the AFC Pro Bowl roster the week of the game.Sanders and Watson were involved in a competition for the starting job from the start of the offseason until coach Todd Monken announced Watson as the opening-day starter on Aug. 24. That came two days after the 10-year veteran had taken aim with postgame remarks at the fans who had booed him during a preseason game against the Buffalo Bills.Buy Cleveland Browns ticketsChris Easterling can be reached at ceasterling@thebeaconjournal.com. Read more about the Browns at www.beaconjournal.com/sports/browns. Follow him on X at @ceasterlingABJ. Sign up for Browns Insider newsletter at https://profile.beaconjournal.com/newsletters/browns-insider/This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Shedeur Sanders comes in for Deshaun Watson in 1st quarter at SteelersOur editors independently choose our recommendations. Some content is produced with paid support from a third party, however our editorial decisions remain independent. If you buy through our links, the USA TODAY Network may earn a commission. Prices and availability may change.