Browns QB Deshaun Watson Enters Concussion Protocol

The Cleveland Browns' surprise season just hit a scary bump: Deshaun Watson is in the NFL's concussion protocol, and his status for Sunday's game at the New Orleans Saints is up in the air.

The Browns announced it Wednesday. Watson told the medical staff Tuesday morning that he'd started having concussion symptoms Monday night, and he was placed in the protocol right away, according to the team's statement. Cleveland's 5-3, third in the AFC North and one game behind the first-place Steelers.

How Deshaun Watson Got Hurt

It traces back to the opening possession of Sunday's 27-6 loss to Pittsburgh. Steelers safety Jaquan Brisker hit Watson helmet-to-helmet, and the play drew a roughing the passer flag. Watson missed a few plays while an unaffiliated neurotrauma consultant evaluated him, got cleared and came back on the next series.

The team's medical staff checked him again after the game and Monday morning, and he showed no symptoms both times. Then the symptoms showed up Monday night. Returning from the protocol is a multi-step process, so a short week of practice makes this one tight.

It's a tough break for a guy who's been one of the better stories in the league. Watson's started all eight games and completed 65.5% of his passes for 1,806 yards, seven touchdowns and three interceptions.

Shedeur Sanders Waits in the Wings

If Watson can't clear in time, Shedeur Sanders would be in line to make his first start of the season. The 2025 fifth-round pick started seven games as a rookie but lost the quarterback battle to Watson this summer, and he's thrown just three passes this year.

He's not walking in cold, though. Sanders went 3-4 as Cleveland's starter down the stretch last season, throwing for 1,400 yards with seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions, per NFL.com. And the matchup isn't the scariest one on the schedule, with the Saints sitting at 2-5.

Dillon Gabriel, who returned from injured reserve last week and was the emergency quarterback in Week 8, would likely back him up. Rookie Taylen Green is also on the roster.

For Browns fans, it's a weird mix of worry and curiosity. Nobody wants to see Watson's breakout year stall on a concussion, but a lot of people have wanted to see what Sanders looks like with a better supporting cast. Kickoff in New Orleans is 1 p.m. ET Sunday, and the practice reports this week will tell the story.

Smacktok pick lean: If Sanders gets the start, lean lower on his passing yards in his first action this season. He's attempted only three passes all year.