Browns place Deshaun Watson in concussion protocol ahead of Week 9

The Cleveland Browns said quarterback Deshaun Watson entered the league’s concussion protocol after he began experiencing symptoms on Monday night. The team’s statement said Watson suffered a helmet-to-helmet hit in the first quarter of Sunday’s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. An ATC spotter alerted the sideline, and an Unaffiliated Neurotrauma Consultant performed a game-day concussion evaluation. Watson was cleared at the time and returned to the next offensive series. Post-game and the following morning, the medical staff re-evaluated him and found no symptoms. On Tuesday, Watson reported new symptoms, prompting his placement in the protocol.

"During the first quarter of Sunday’s game against the Steelers, Deshaun took a helmet-to-helmet hit," the team said.

"The ATC spotter called down to the sideline, and the Unaffiliated Neurotrauma Consultant (UNC) administered a gameday concussion evaluation. Deshaun was cleared by the UNC and returned on the Browns’ next offensive series. As part of the protocol, the team’s medical staff evaluated him again postgame and Monday morning. Both times he showed no symptoms, passed his evaluations, and was cleared. On Tuesday morning, he reported to the medical staff that he began experiencing concussion symptoms Monday night and was immediately placed in the concussion protocol."

With Watson unavailable, rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders is expected to start in the Browns’ Week 9 matchup at New Orleans, though the coaching staff could consider Dillon Gabriel as an alternative. The Browns, currently 5-3, are seeking to maintain pace with division rivals as they approach the later part of the season.