The Cleveland Browns are facing uncertainty at quarterback ahead of their Week 9 matchup with the New Orleans Saints. Deshaun Watson entered the NFL’s concussion protocol on Tuesday, three days after playing against Pittsburgh.
The team said Watson took a helmet-to-helmet hit in the first quarter of Sunday’s game. An independent neurotrauma consultant evaluated him on the sideline, cleared him to return, and he played the Browns’ next offensive series.
Cleveland’s medical staff checked Watson again after the game and on Monday morning. He showed no symptoms and passed both evaluations, the team said. On Tuesday morning, however, he told medical staff that concussion symptoms had begun the previous night, and he was placed in the protocol.
Concussion symptoms can appear later, though that is not especially common. Watson must complete the required steps before he can return, a process that often takes several days. That leaves his availability for the Saints game in question.
Backup Shedeur Sanders is expected to take the starter’s practice repetitions as the Browns prepare for New Orleans. Sanders appears to be the likely replacement if Watson is unavailable, though Cleveland could also turn to third-string quarterback Dillon Gabriel.
Unofficial concussion data suggests that quarterbacks who enter the protocol miss at least one game more than 70% of the time.
Sanders recently hired a new agent, reportedly amid the possibility of seeking a trade after Watson established himself as Cleveland’s starter.
The situation matters for the 5–3 Browns. They are 3–0 at home but sit third in the AFC North behind the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cincinnati Bengals, leaving them with little room to lose ground in the playoff race.
