Browns QB Watson in concussion protocol; status vs. Saints unclear

BEREA, Ohio -- The Cleveland Browns announced on Wednesday that starting quarterback Deshaun Watson has been placed in the NFL's concussion protocol, putting his availability for Sunday's road game against the New Orleans Saints in question. In a statement, the Browns said that Watson reported to the team's medical staff Tuesday morning that he was experiencing concussion symptoms. Watson took a helmet-to-helmet hit from Steelers safety Jaquan Brisker on the opening possession of last Sunday's loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers and missed three plays while he was checked for a concussion. Cleveland said he was administered a gameday concussion evaluation by an unaffiliated neurotrauma consultant and cleared to the return to play. Watson was then evaluated by the medical staff postgame and again on Monday and did not show any symptoms before reporting them on Tuesday morning. The Browns are 5-3 and in third place in the AFC North but are one game behind the first-place Steelers. Watson has started the first eight games of the season, completing 65.5% of his passes for 1,806 yards, seven touchdowns and three interceptions. If Watson cannot clear the concussion protocol in time to play against the Saints, Shedeur Sanders would be in line to make his first start of the season. A 2025 fifth-round pick, Sanders started seven games as a rookie but has served as the backup this season after losing a quarterback competition to Watson. Sanders has thrown just four passes this season. Dillon Gabriel returned from injured reserve last week and served as the emergency QB in Week 8. Rookie Taylen Green is also on the roster.