Deshaun Watson Enters Concussion Protocol, Sanders Could Start

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson has been placed in the NFL‘s concussion protocol, putting his availability for Sunday’s road game against the New Orleans Saints in doubt. The team confirmed the development on Wednesday after Watson reported concussion symptoms to the medical staff earlier in the week.

The announcement comes following a helmet-to-helmet collision during Cleveland’s loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers last Sunday. Although Watson was evaluated during the game and initially cleared to return, he later reported symptoms on Tuesday morning, prompting the Browns to place him in the league’s concussion protocol.

Watson has started all eight games for Cleveland this season, making his potential absence a significant concern as the Browns prepare for their Week 9 matchup. If he is unable to complete the required protocol in time, backup quarterback Shedeur Sanders could be in line for his first start of the campaign.

Deshaun Watson Enters NFL Concussion Protocol

The Browns announced on Wednesday that Watson had been placed in the concussion protocol after reporting symptoms to the team’s medical staff on Tuesday morning.

According to the club’s statement, Watson initially showed no symptoms during the assessments conducted after Sunday’s game and again on Monday. However, after reporting concussion symptoms the following morning, he was placed under the league’s medical procedures.

The quarterback suffered a helmet-to-helmet hit from Pittsburgh Steelers safety Jaquan Brisker during Cleveland’s opening possession on Sunday. Watson missed three plays while medical personnel assessed him for a possible concussion.

During the game, he underwent a concussion evaluation conducted by an unaffiliated neurotrauma consultant and was cleared to return to play. The Browns’ medical staff also evaluated him after the game and again on Monday, with neither assessment identifying symptoms at those times.

His report of symptoms on Tuesday changed the situation, leaving his availability for the Saints game uncertain. Watson must now progress through the NFL’s concussion protocol before he can be cleared to play.

Shedeur Sanders Could Make First Start of the Season

If Watson does not complete the concussion protocol in time for Sunday’s game, Shedeur Sanders is expected to be the leading candidate to start at quarterback for Cleveland.

Sanders, a fifth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, started seven games during his rookie season. However, he has spent the current campaign as Watson’s backup after losing the team’s quarterback competition before the season.

The rookie has had limited playing time so far, attempting just three passes this season. A start against New Orleans would therefore represent an important opportunity for Sanders to take on a larger role in the Browns’ offence.

His previous starting experience could help Cleveland if Watson is unavailable, although the team would need to prepare for a different quarterback leading the offence.

Browns Have Additional Quarterback Options

Cleveland also has other quarterbacks on its roster as it monitors Watson’s condition. Dillon Gabriel returned from injured reserve last week and served as the emergency quarterback during the Browns’ Week 8 game.

Rookie Taylen Green is also part of the quarterback group, giving the team additional depth while Watson remains in the concussion protocol.

The Browns will need to assess their options based on Watson’s recovery and the medical clearance process. For now, Sanders appears positioned to receive the starting opportunity if the veteran quarterback cannot play.

Deshaun Watson’s Numbers for Cleveland This Season

Watson has been Cleveland’s starting quarterback throughout the first eight games of the season. He has completed 65.5% of his passes for 1,806 yards, seven touchdowns and three interceptions.

His consistent presence in the starting line-up has been important for the Browns, who enter Week 9 with a 5-3 record. Any absence would require the coaching staff to adjust its preparations for a difficult road fixture against the Saints.

Sanders’ limited passing workload this season also means that Cleveland could face a significant change at the position if Watson is ruled out.

Browns Prepare for Crucial Saints Matchup

The Browns are currently third in the AFC North with a 5-3 record, sitting one game behind division leaders Pittsburgh. Their upcoming trip to New Orleans offers another opportunity to strengthen their position in the division race.

Watson’s availability will be one of the main factors in Cleveland’s preparations. The team will monitor his progress through the concussion protocol before making a final decision about the quarterback position.

If he receives medical clearance, Watson could return to the starting line-up against the Saints. If he does not, Sanders is expected to get the opportunity to lead the offence, with Gabriel and Green providing further depth.

For now, the Browns have not confirmed who will start on Sunday. Watson’s status remains uncertain as he works through the NFL’s concussion protocol following the delayed onset of symptoms.