The Cleveland Browns have placed starting quarterback Deshaun Watson in the NFL concussion protocol, a move that places his availability for Sunday’s game against the New Orleans Saints in doubt. The team confirmed Wednesday that Watson reported symptoms to medical staff on Tuesday morning, according to RDS.
The diagnosis follows a helmet-to-helmet collision involving Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Jaquan Brisker during the first offensive series of Sunday’s 27-6 loss, as reported by the New York Post. Although Watson was evaluated by an independent neurotrauma consultant at the stadium and cleared to return to the field during that game, the Browns stated he reported that symptoms had begun on Monday night.
Shedeur Sanders prepares for potential start
With Watson sidelined from practice, Shedeur Sanders is expected to take first-team repetitions starting Wednesday. The team has maintained it has no interest in trading the backup quarterback ahead of the upcoming deadline.
Sanders previously started seven games during his rookie campaign, finishing with a 3-4 record as a starter. If he earns the nod Sunday, it would mark his first start of the 2026 season. The Browns also have Dillon Gabriel and rookie Taylen Green on the active roster; Gabriel returned from the injury list last week to serve as the reserve quarterback.
Cleveland faces quarterback changes with huge salary cap hit looming
Watson has started all eight games for the Browns this season, recording 1,806 passing yards, seven touchdowns, and three interceptions while completing 65.5% of his passes. Cleveland currently holds a 5-3 record and remains in the hunt for a wild-card spot in the AFC playoff race, despite sitting one game behind the division-leading Steelers.
The transition to a backup quarterback comes at a sensitive time for the organization. It remains unclear how fast the Browns are willing to move on from Watson, who carries an $86 million cap hit next season in the final year of his contract.
Medical evaluation timeline
The team’s medical timeline highlights the evolving nature of concussion symptoms. According to the official statement provided to BrownsZone, Watson was evaluated by the team’s medical staff after the game and again on Monday morning, passing both assessments with no reported symptoms. It was not until Tuesday morning that he informed the staff of symptoms that began the previous evening, triggering his immediate entry into the league-mandated protocol.
Watson must now clear the multi-step protocol, which requires him to be symptom-free and receive clearance from an independent neurotrauma consultant before he can return to full participation or game action. The Browns are scheduled to face the Saints in New Orleans this Sunday, with the final status of the quarterback position expected to be determined by the team’s late-week injury reports.
