Cleveland places rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders in the starting role for Sunday’s matchup against the New Orleans Saints after starter Deshaun Watson is sidelined by a concussion sustained in the loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Sanders, who appeared in two games as a backup this season and started the final seven games of his 2025 rookie year, now has his first start of 2026. The Browns sit 5‑3 and need a win to stay on pace with the playoff‑bound Steelers (6‑2) and Bengals (5‑2).
The Cleveland Browns have placed starter Deshaun Watson in the concussion protocol after a helmet-to-helmet hit against the Steelers, leaving the quarterback spot open for Shedeur Sanders. Watson, who returned for the remainder of a 27-6 loss, reported symptoms on Tuesday and will be evaluated this week. If he remains sidelined, Sanders could make his first 2026 start against the New Orleans Saints—whose defense ranks among the league's worst—offering the Browns a chance to shift the QB debate amid their 5-3 start.
Quarterback Deshaun Watson leaves the Browns’ Sunday matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers early for a concussion evaluation after a hard hit from Jaquan Brisker, returns on the next drive, but now reports delayed concussion symptoms. The Steelers Depot article, published Nov. 4, 2026, details the injury protocol and its implications for Cleveland’s upcoming games.
Deshaun Watson is placed on the Browns’ concussion protocol after a helmet‑to‑helmet hit by the Steelers, despite clearing post‑game evaluations. The injury opens the door for backup quarterback Shedeur Sanders to receive first‑team reps and potentially start against the New Orleans Saints this week. Sanders, who competed with Watson for the starting role in the offseason, now has a chance to prove himself against a struggling Saints defense, while Watson is expected to miss at least one more game.
The Cleveland Browns placed quarterback Deshaun Watson in concussion protocol after he reported symptoms following a hard hit in Sunday's 3‑17 loss to the Steelers. The league’s independent doctor cleared him, but the protocol sidelines him for the upcoming game against the New Orleans Saints, handing the start to backup Shedeur Sanders. Watson, the 2017 first‑round pick now under a five‑year, $230 million fully guaranteed deal, has thrown for 1,806 yards, seven TDs and three INTs this season. His absence adds pressure on the Browns as they chase a playoff push.
The Browns' Week 8 loss to the Steelers exposed critical flaws as they fell 27-6 to drop to 5-3 in the AFC North. Deshaun Watson endured eight sacks while the offensive line crumbled, and the defense surrendered 200 rushing yards and three touchdowns. The article argues that without bolstering pass protection and matching the physical run defense typical of division rivals, Cleveland’s playoff hopes remain in jeopardy.
After a 27-6 road defeat to the Steelers, the Cleveland Browns reshuffle their practice squad, waiving WR Bub Means, P Wes Pahl, OG Vershon Lee and OT Andrew Coker. They replace them with WR Xavier Guillory, OG Austin Blaske and OT Xavier Truss, leaving one spot open after RB Audric Estime is claimed by the New Orleans Saints. Guillory (undrafted 2025, ex‑Ravens), Blaske (undrafted, ex‑Rams), and Truss (Georgia two‑time national champ, 7 NFL games with the Saints) all join the squad.
After a dominant victory over the Cleveland Browns, the Steelers’ Acrisure Stadium crowd skips the traditional playing of Styx’s “Renegade,” leaving the team’s defense eager for the anthem. The iconic song, a staple for about 25 years at Pittsburgh home games, is usually timed for pivotal moments, but the blowout left fans and players alike disappointed that the celebratory cue never arrived.
The Dallas Cowboys have to be kicking themselves after watching Mike McCarthy's success with the Pittsburgh Steelers, given their Brian Schottenheimer issue.
After a 27-6 win over the Browns, the Steelers ride a four‑game streak into their bye, fueled by a revamped six‑lineman offensive front. Re‑introduced in Week 7, the jumbo packages—anchored by guard Spencer Anderson as a "sixth man"—have been run on 29 plays, primarily the 11‑personnel set (21 plays). The unit posts a +0.12 EPA per pass, +0.25 EPA per rush and a +0.22 EPA per play, far above the NFL average of +0.05. The formation, revived from a successful 2025 experiment, gives Pittsburgh extra bulk against light defensive schemes and is a key factor in their recent resurgence.
The Boston Bruins are gearing up for their first of just two road games this month after a two‑game home sweep, with rookie James Hagens leading all NHL rookies with 12 points (6‑6‑12) and a three‑game point streak. Coach Marco Sturm praises Hagens but urges patience. Boston also unveiled its brown “Varsity Sweater” Hometown Remix jersey, set to debut on Nov. 12. Meanwhile, Nikita Kucherov confirms his trade request, with offers reportedly rising to $15 million, and the Lightning’s future hanging in the balance. The Canadiens collapsed from a 4‑0 lead, and the Penguins slip to 0‑2‑1 in their last three games. Additional notes include AHL star Mikey Eyssimont earning Player of the Month and updates on Dylan Larkin’s free‑agency rumors.
The latest Deen’s Daily highlights three major stories: former Avalanche star Jarome Iginla opens up about serious health struggles, and Colorado’s road slump continues after a 7‑goal loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets following a lone win in Chicago. Meanwhile, the Winnipeg Jets staged a dramatic comeback against the Montreal Canadiens, snapping a nine‑game skid. The roundup also notes division action – Dallas beating Washington, Utah topping Toronto, and the Flyers falling to Minnesota – plus updates on the Devils, Penguins, Panthers, Red Wings and Blackhawks injuries.
The Pittsburgh Penguins are near the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings, and many are wondering when the for sale sign will go out.
The Pittsburgh Penguins are near the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings, and many are wondering when the for sale sign will go out.
Despite the Steelers' 6-2 record and the approaching Nov. 10 trade deadline, ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler says Pittsburgh is unlikely to move any players. He specifically rules out trades involving linebackers Patrick Queen and Cole Holcomb, suggesting the roster will stay intact through the season.
The Steelers’ red‑zone woes spark debate over a potential “mandate” that would give veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers more freedom to run the ball. Coaches admit the offense needs a change, and former Steelers insider Matt Haley argues Rodgers’ running ability is too valuable to limit, urging the team to let him take advantage of scoring chances inside the 20-yard line. The article discusses whether scheme tweaks or Rodgers’ skill set are the primary issue and what a red‑zone run‑focused approach could mean for Pittsburgh’s November matchup.
SB Nation Reacts asks fans to predict the Cleveland Browns' showdown with the New Orleans Saints. After a tough loss to the Steelers, the blog highlights lingering issues like the Browns' run defense and Deshaun Watson’s sack rate, questioning whether they’ll be exposed against a struggling Saints squad. The survey also gauges weekly confidence among Browns supporters despite a 23-game road losing streak in Pittsburgh. Readers are invited to weigh in on the game’s outcome and their confidence in the team’s direction under Todd Monken.
Former Steelers safety Ryan Clark says the locker room was growing weary of Mike Tomlin’s voice, and the team’s early success under new head coach Mike McCarthy proves a change was needed. After eight games, Pittsburgh is 6‑2, leading the league with 26 sacks thanks to defensive coordinator Patrick Graham’s scheme, while the offense thrives without relying on a single star. Aaron Rodgers has thrown for 1,871 yards and 13 TDs, and RB Jaylen Warren is having his best season. Though red‑zone play‑calling needs work, the squad heads into the bye healthy and poised to be a contender.
Former Browns head coach Mike Pettine argues Cleveland “poked the bear” by over‑reaching before the Steelers’ 27‑17 victory on Nov. 3, 2026 – the first time Pittsburgh lost at home to Cleveland since 2003. He blames aggressive play‑calling and a premature confidence surge for the defeat, noting key moments like a missed field goal by Cade York and a costly turnover by Nick Chubb. Pettine says the Browns should have kept a tighter defensive approach to avoid handing Pittsburgh a rare home loss.
The Pittsburgh Penguins are actively entertaining trade offers for winger Rickard Rakell, who ranks No. 9 on The Fourth Period’s November Trade Watch List. General manager Kyle Dubas, under a strict cash budget and new ownership’s push for a younger roster, has been listening to interest from multiple teams, including the Ottawa Senators, who need a scoring winger. Rakell, 33, carries a $5 million cap hit through 2027‑28 and has an eight‑team no‑trade list. After a strong 2024‑25 season (35 G, 70 P) and a slower start this year (4 G, 8 P in 14 games), his value may be tempered. The Penguins also eye moves for Bryan Rust and Erik Karlsson as they consider shedding veterans for draft picks or prospects.
Adam Schefter reports that former NFL quarterback Russell Wilson, who played three seasons at NC State, interviewed for the Wolfpack’s head‑coaching vacancy. The surprise move follows NC State’s search that also includes ex‑Pack star Philip Rivers. Though the school has not responded, the interview—potentially facilitated by former Steelers coach Bill Cowher, now a CBS analyst—raises eyebrows given Wilson’s lack of coaching experience. The Bills’ 33‑30 win over the Raiders is noted, but the focus remains on Wilson’s unlikely coaching candidacy.
Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert and Steelers receiver D.K. Metcalf are among the NFL players who have failed to live up to big contracts in 2026 thus far.
Steelers Depot notes that ILB Patrick Queen’s stock is on the rise after delivering one of his strongest performances for Pittsburgh. Adjusting to new defensive coordinator Patrick Graham, Queen has shown increased confidence, especially over the past two weeks, signaling a promising impact on the Steelers’ defense.
The Tennessee Titans head into a Week 9 bye at 1‑7 after a loss to the Cincinnati Bengals, using the break to regroup and assess bold predictions for a late‑season surge. The article highlights potential trade moves—Jonathan Taylor’s looming trade deadline on Nov 10 could spark a Tony Pollard deal—and cites upcoming analysis on whether a winning streak is realistic. It also points readers to related NFL news, including the Steelers’ 6‑2 rise under Mike McCarthy and the latest power‑rankings.
Entering Week 9 of the 2026 NFL season, the Cleveland Browns slip two spots in the power rankings to a collective 16th place after a bruising 5-3 loss to the Steelers. CBS drops them to No. 17, NFL.com to No. 15, while ESPN, Sporting News, Yahoo Sports, Bleacher Report and USA Today keep them around No. 16. Analysts cite eight sacks on QB Deshaun Watson, a sputtering run game (34 yards) and defensive lapses as key issues, though the trade for CB Tyson Campbell still shines. With a 5-3 record and division‑tiebreaker implications, the Browns face a reality check as they chase playoff credibility.