Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson entered the NFL's concussion protocol on Tuesday morning, the team announced. Watson had passed a concussion evaluation after taking a helmet-to-helmet hit during Sunday's 27-6 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, but he reported concussion-like symptoms to team doctors on Monday night.
Protocol Timeline
The Browns evaluated Watson after the game and again on Monday morning per league rules. When he disclosed his symptoms on Tuesday, Cleveland immediately placed him in the protocol. Watson finished the Steelers game with 324 passing yards, eight sacks, and zero touchdowns. The hit from Steelers safety Jaquan Brisker was flagged, and a spotter had called for Watson to be checked during the game; backup Shedeur Sanders entered briefly before Watson returned.
Sanders in Line for Week 9 Start
If Watson cannot play in Week 9 against the New Orleans Saints, the Browns are expected to turn to second-year quarterback Shedeur Sanders. The 24-year-old has appeared in two games this season, logging five snaps and completing all three of his pass attempts for two yards. Last season, Sanders started seven of eight appearances, throwing seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions while completing 56.6% of his passes. Among 36 quarterbacks with at least 200 attempts, he ranked last in completion percentage, touchdown-to-interception ratio, and passer rating.
Sanders lost the starting job to Watson this offseason, but the offensive environment has improved. Cleveland has upgraded its offensive line and added rookie wide receivers Denzel Boston and KC Concepcion, both of whom have impressed. The Saints' defense, ranking 28th in both yards per play and yards per game, could also provide a favorable matchup for a young quarterback making his first start of the season.
