Watson Enters Concussion Protocol Before Sunday Saints Trip

The Cleveland Browns confirmed on Wednesday that Deshaun Watson is in the NFL concussion protocol. The team has not ruled out his start for Sunday's away game against the New Orleans Saints, but his status is now uncertain.

Watson told medical staff on Tuesday morning that he was experiencing concussion-related symptoms. The issue traces back to a helmet-to-helmet collision with Pittsburgh Steelers safety Jaquan Brisker during the opening drive of last Sunday's loss.

During that game, Watson missed three plays for a concussion check. An unaffiliated neurotrauma consultant cleared him to return on the field. The Browns evaluated him after the game and again on Monday without finding symptoms, which is why the report came on Tuesday.

The Browns sit at 5-3 and rank third in the AFC North, one game behind the Steelers. Watson has started all eight games this season. He has completed 65.5 percent of his passes for 1,806 yards, seven touchdowns, and three interceptions.

If Watson does not clear the protocol, Shedeur Sanders will start. Sanders, a 2025 fifth-round pick, has thrown only three passes this season. He started seven games as a rookie but lost the backup spot to Watson. Dillon Gabriel, who recently returned from injured reserve, served as the emergency quarterback in Week 8. Rookie Taylen Green also remains on the roster.