Browns Place Deshaun Watson in Concussion Protocol, Shedeur Sanders Likely to Start Against Saints

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson is undergoing the NFL concussion protocol after reporting symptoms to medical staff early Tuesday. The team announced the development, which positions second-year quarterback Shedeur Sanders to start Sunday’s game against the New Orleans Saints.

Watson took a helmet-to-helmet hit from Pittsburgh Steelers safety Jaquan Brisker during the 27-6 loss on Sunday. A spotter signaled for a check on the sideline, and Watson briefly left the field. He passed a post-game concussion evaluation and another test on Monday morning, as required by league rules. However, he told team doctors Monday night that he began experiencing symptoms consistent with a concussion. Cleveland placed him in the protocol immediately upon receiving that report on Tuesday.

Watson finished the game with 324 passing yards. He was sacked eight times and did not throw a touchdown pass. Sanders entered the game briefly during Watson’s sideline visit but did not remain for the rest of the contest.

Sanders, 24, has limited experience this season. He has played in two games for a total of five snaps. In that time, he completed all three of his pass attempts for two yards. Last year, he started seven of eight games in a quarterback rotation. He completed 56.6% of his passes, throwing seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions. Among 36 quarterbacks with at least 200 pass attempts, he ranked last in completion percentage, touchdown-to-interception rate, and passer rating.

The offensive environment has changed since Sanders’ previous tenure. The Browns upgraded their offensive line and wide receiver corps. Rookies Denzel Boston and KC Concepcion have performed well during the current season. New Orleans presents a favorable matchup on defense. The Saints rank 28th in the league in yards per play and yards per game. The Browns enter the contest with a 5-3 record.