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Browns QB Watson Enters Concussion Protocol, Sanders May Start Against Saints
Confirmed
In Short: Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson entered the NFL's concussion protocol, leaving his status for Sunday's game against the Saints uncertain.
Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson entered the NFL's concussion protocol Tuesday morning, the team announced. Watson finished the Browns' 27-6 loss to the Steelers with 324 passing yards but also eight sacks and zero touchdowns.
According to the Browns, Watson reported experiencing concussion symptoms to the team's medical staff on Tuesday morning. He was initially cleared to return to play after a game-day concussion evaluation by an unaffiliated neurotrauma consultant, but his symptoms persisted.
Watson's status for Sunday's game against the Saints is now in question. The Browns have placed him in the concussion protocol, which requires him to clear a five-step return-to-play process before he can play again.
Shedeur Sanders, 24, could start in Watson's place. Sanders, a 2025 fifth-round pick, started seven games as a rookie but has served as the backup this season after losing a quarterback competition to Watson.
Sanders expressed excitement about the opportunity to start. 'Overall, I'm just excited for the opportunity,' he said when asked about the possibility of starting against New Orleans.
The Browns confirmed that Watson took a helmet-to-helmet hit in the first quarter of the Week 8 loss to the Steelers. He also took a hard hit in the fourth quarter of Cleveland’s 23–20 loss to the Buffalo Bills in Week 8.
Watson has started the first eight games of the season, completing 65.5% of his passes for 1,806 yards, seven touchdowns, and three interceptions. He has exceeded expectations since joining the Browns in 2022.
Unofficial concussion statistics suggest that quarterbacks entering the protocol miss at least one game over 70 percent of the time.
The Browns also roster quarterbacks Dillon Gabriel and rookie Taylen Green, providing additional depth in case Watson is unable to play.
If Watson is unable to play, Sanders will get the first-team reps in practice and could lead the Browns against the Saints on Sunday.
What this adds
Watson's status for Sunday's game against the Saints remains uncertain as he undergoes the NFL's concussion protocol process.
What's confirmed
- Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson entered the NFL's concussion protocol Tuesday morning, the Browns announced.
- Sanders, 24, could start Sunday in a crucial game for the Browns, who are 5-3 this season.
- Saints unclear By Daniel Oyefusi Nov 4, 2026 | 9:15 AM The Browns have placed starting QB Deshaun Watson in the concussion protocol, the team announced Wednesday, leaving his status for Sunday’s matchup against the Saints in question.
- Browns QB Deshaun Watson is in the concussion protocol, putting Shedeur Sanders in line for his first career start against the Saints on Sunday.
What's still developing
- "If it goes that way, it's a great opportunity."
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- Watson controversially won the starting quarterback job after rupturing his Achilles twice.
- Watson took a hard hit in the fourth quarter of Cleveland’s 23–20 loss to the Buffalo Bills in Week 8.
- The Browns confirmed on Wednesday that he is in the protocol.
- Watson appeared to clear two more evaluations, one after the game and another Monday morning, without showing symptoms.