NFL11 hours ago1 minute read

Browns Place Deshaun Watson in Concussion Protocol Ahead of Saints Game

Deshaun Watson is in concussion protocol, leaving his status against New Orleans uncertain for Cleveland.

The EagleEyeOdds deskWritten from the match data, checked against our model before it goes out

Watson enters protocol

Deshaun Watson has been placed in the NFL concussion protocol. The move puts his availability for Sunday's road game against the New Orleans Saints in question.

The Cleveland Browns announced the decision on Wednesday. Watson went to the team's medical staff on Tuesday morning to report that he was experiencing concussion symptoms.

The issue started on the opening possession of last Sunday's loss against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Watson took a helmet to helmet hit from Steelers safety Jaquan Brisker. Watson left the field and missed three plays while being evaluated for a concussion. An unaffiliated neurotrauma consultant handled the gameday concussion evaluation and cleared Watson to return to the field.

Medical staff checked Watson again after the game ended and evaluated him on Monday. He showed no symptoms on either day before reporting them on Tuesday morning.

Cleveland's quarterback options

Cleveland is 5-3 on the season and sits in third place in the AFC North, putting them one game behind the first place Steelers. Watson has started all eight games for the team this season. He has completed 65.5% of his passes for 1,806 yards, seven touchdowns, and three interceptions.

If Watson fails to clear the concussion protocol in time for the game against the Saints, Shedeur Sanders is expected to get his first start of the year. Sanders was selected in the fifth round of the 2025 draft. He started seven games during his rookie season, but he served as the backup this year after losing a quarterback competition to Watson. Sanders has attempted only three passes this season.

The roster has a few other options. Dillon Gabriel returned from injured reserve last week and served as the emergency quarterback in Week 8. The team also has rookie Taylen Green on the roster.

What it means for the next game

Cleveland Browns at New Orleans Saints (NFL, Sun, 08 Nov): New Orleans Saints win 49%, Cleveland Browns win 51%; projected score New Orleans Saints 22, Cleveland Browns 20. Our safest pick: Under 49.5 points.