NFL1 hr ago
Browns Place Watson in Concussion Protocol
Cleveland's starting quarterback reported symptoms Tuesday after a hit in last week's loss
· 1 min read
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Protocol Placement
The Cleveland Browns placed starting quarterback Deshaun Watson in the concussion protocol on Wednesday. Watson reported symptoms to the medical staff Tuesday morning. He had taken a helmet-to-helmet hit from Steelers safety Jaquan Brisker on the opening possession of Sunday's game and missed three plays for evaluation before returning. He was cleared on the field that day and showed no symptoms in postgame or Monday checks.
Team Standing and Watson's Season
The Browns sit at 5-3 and hold third place in the AFC North, one game behind the Steelers. Watson has started the first eight games, completing 65.5 percent of his passes for 1,806 yards with seven touchdowns and three interceptions.
Backup Options
If Watson cannot clear the protocol for Sunday's game against the Saints, Shedeur Sanders would make his first start of the season. The 2025 fifth-round pick started seven games as a rookie and has thrown three passes this year while serving as the backup. Dillon Gabriel returned from injured reserve last week and acted as the emergency quarterback in Week 8, while rookie Taylen Green remains on the roster.
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