BEREA — The Cleveland Browns announced Wednesday morning that quarterback Deshaun Watson has been placed in the NFL's concussion protocol, putting his availability for Sunday's game against the New Orleans Saints in doubt.
Watson suffered a helmet-to-helmet hit during the first quarter of Cleveland's 27-6 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday. The hit prompted an evaluation by an independent neurological consultant, who cleared Watson to return to the game after missing four plays.
According to the Browns' official statement, Watson was evaluated again following Sunday's game and Monday morning. He passed both examinations without showing concussion symptoms. However, Watson informed the team's medical staff Tuesday morning that he had begun experiencing symptoms Monday night, and he was immediately placed in the league's concussion protocol.
Watson must now complete the NFL's five-step return-to-play process before being cleared to participate in another game. With Cleveland traveling to New Orleans on Sunday, the Browns face the possibility of playing without their starting quarterback for the first time this season.
Shedeur Sanders is next in line to start if Watson cannot go. The second-year quarterback briefly replaced Watson against Pittsburgh, completing both of his passes for two yards before Watson returned. Sanders started seven games during his rookie season in 2025 but has primarily served as Watson's backup this year.
Watson has started all eight games for Cleveland this season, completing 65.5% of his passes for 1,806 yards, seven touchdowns, and three interceptions. The Browns have compiled a 5-3 record with Watson under center.
