Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson has been placed in the NFL’s concussion protocol after taking a helmet-to-helmet hit during Sunday’s 27-6 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, the team announced.
Watson sustained the hit during the first quarter of the game but was cleared to return after undergoing a concussion evaluation on the sideline.
According to a statement released by the Browns, an athletic trainer spotter alerted the sideline following the hit, prompting an evaluation by an unaffiliated neurotrauma consultant.
Watson passed the evaluation and returned to the field for Cleveland’s next offensive possession.
The Browns said Watson was evaluated again following Sunday’s game and Monday morning. Both examinations showed no concussion symptoms, and he was cleared by the team’s medical staff.
However, Watson reported to medical personnel Tuesday morning that he began experiencing concussion symptoms Monday night.
He was immediately placed in the NFL’s concussion protocol.
The development could lead to a change at quarterback for Cleveland’s upcoming game against the New Orleans Saints.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that Shedeur Sanders is in line to start Sunday’s game against New Orleans.
Sanders would step into the starting role as Watson works through the league’s concussion protocol, which requires players to complete a series of medical evaluations and receive clearance before returning to game action.
The Browns are scheduled to face the Saints at 1 p.m. Sunday in New Orleans.
Sanders briefly replaced Watson during the first quarter against Pittsburgh while Watson underwent his initial concussion evaluation. Sanders completed both of his official pass attempts for 2 yards before Watson returned.
Watson finished Sunday’s game completing 27 of 36 passes for 324 yards. He was sacked eight times as Cleveland fell to 5-3 on the season.
Sanders, a fifth-round selection in the 2025 NFL Draft out of Colorado, started seven games during his rookie season. He threw for 1,400 yards, seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions.
The Browns have not formally announced Sanders as Sunday’s starter. His expected start remains contingent on Watson’s status and the team’s final quarterback decision.
