Browns place Deshaun Watson in concussion protocol; Shedeur Sanders could start vs. Saints

The Cleveland Browns placed quarterback Deshaun Watson in concussion protocol, the team announced Wednesday.

Watson took a helmet-to-helmet hit from safety Jaquan Brisker in the first quarter of Sunday’s loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Watson briefly left the game, was evaluated in the medical tent, got cleared and returned one series later.

Watson finished the game but was evaluated again postgame and Monday morning as part of the protocol, the Browns said in a statement. Both times, he showed no symptoms, passed his evaluations and was cleared. But Watson reported to the team’s medical staff Tuesday morning that he began experiencing concussion symptoms Monday night. The Browns then immediately placed him in the protocol.

Cleveland will prepare as if Watson won’t play Sunday against the New Orleans Saints, but the team has had players clear protocol in one week in each of the last two weeks. The Browns almost certainly will keep backup quarterback Shedeur Sanders at the front of the line, but they have options.

The team activated Dillon Gabriel from injured reserve last week, and he served as the emergency quarterback against the Steelers, while rookie Taylen Green was fourth in line and inactive. As long as they remain in playoff contention, the Browns’ keeping four quarterbacks on the active roster looks wise.

Sanders entered the game against Pittsburgh and had two completions for 2 yards before Watson returned. Sanders split the offseason reps with Watson until the final week of the preseason, when Browns coach Todd Monken named Watson the starter.

Monken has spoken highly of Sanders’ work ethic and development, and Watson reporting symptoms Tuesday means the Browns essentially have a full week to give Sanders reps and ensure the game plan fits his strengths and comfort level.

Last year, Sanders came in blind with no real practice reps when he took over in November. He started the final seven games and went 3-4, and he had a full offseason with Monken and this upgraded group of pass catchers.

This story will be updated