Browns place Deshaun Watson in concussion protocol, consider Shedeur Sanders as starter

Deshaun Watson was placed in the NFL concussion protocol on Tuesday after he reported symptoms that began Monday night following a helmet-to-helmet collision with Steelers safety Jaquan Brisker in the Browns' 27-6 loss. The team’s medical staff evaluated Watson immediately and entered him in the protocol, which requires clearance by an independent neurologist before he can return to play. If he passes the required tests, he could be eligible for the Sunday matchup against the New Orleans Saints.

The Browns indicated that Watson was cleared on the field by an unaffiliated neurotrauma consultant after the initial hit and cleared again after the game and on Monday morning. However, after experiencing symptoms later that night, he was promptly placed in the protocol on Tuesday.

With Watson’s status uncertain, the Browns are likely to start backup quarterback Shedeur Sanders in New Orleans. Sanders, a fifth-round pick from Colorado, last started on Jan. 4, leading Cleveland to a 20-18 win over the Bengals, and started the final seven games of the previous season, posting a 3-4 record.

The team noted that three other players this season—receiver KC Concepcion, safety Grant Delpit and right tackle Tytus Howard—returned the week after leaving a game with a concussion. Howard, for example, played against the Steelers despite missing a week of practice, saying he prepared independently.

"During the first quarter of Sunday’s game against the Steelers, Deshaun took a helmet-to-helmet hit," the Browns said in a statement. "The ATC spotter called down to the sideline, and the Unaffiliated Neurotrauma Consultant 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."

Watson, who has been sacked eight times in the Steelers game and hit 13 times overall, leads the league with five fourth-quarter game-winning drives this season and holds a 5-3 record with a 91.2 passer rating. The Browns will await the outcome of his concussion assessments before confirming the quarterback for the Saints contest.