Browns Place Deshaun Watson In Concussion Protocol

The Cleveland Browns placed quarterback Deshaun Watson in the NFL's concussion protocol on Tuesday morning. The team made the decision after Watson reported new symptoms to team doctors following his return from an evaluation on Sunday.

Watson took a helmet-to-helmet hit from Steelers safety Jaquan Brisker during Cleveland's 27-6 loss on Sunday. A spotter called for Watson to be checked out after the collision, which was later flagged on review. Watson left the game briefly but returned to finish the contest. He completed passes for 324 yards, though he was sacked eight times and threw no touchdowns.

Team physicians evaluated Watson for a concussion immediately after the game and again on Monday morning. Both checks cleared him to proceed with normal routines. However, when Watson told doctors he felt concussion-like symptoms on Monday night, the Browns moved him into the protocol on Tuesday.

If Watson does not clear the protocol by Sunday, the Browns will likely turn to Shedeur Sanders. The 24-year-old second-year pro has played in two games this season but only for five snaps. He completed three of his three passes for two yards during those brief appearances.

Sanders started seven games last season and threw seven touchdowns against 10 interceptions. He completed 56.6% of his passes, a mark that placed him last among quarterbacks with at least 200 attempts in completion percentage, touchdown-to-interception ratio, and passer rating. He did record a three-touchdown performance against the Titans during that campaign.

The Browns enter Week 9 with a 5-3 record. Sanders would face a New Orleans defense that ranks 28th in yards per play and yards per game. Cleveland's offense has also improved since last year, featuring an upgraded offensive line and rookies Denzel Boston and KC Concepcion.