Browns' Watson in Concussion Protocol, Sanders Poised for Start Against Saints

Deshaun Watson, the Cleveland Browns' starting quarterback, finds himself navigating the NFL's concussion protocol following symptoms reported on Tuesday morning ¹²³⁴⁵⁶. This development casts uncertainty over Watson's availability for the team's upcoming Week 9 matchup against the New Orleans Saints, scheduled for Sunday ¹². Should Watson be unable to suit up, Shedeur Sanders is poised to step into the starting role ¹⁵⁶.

Watson's journey to this point has been marked by a significant blow during the previous Sunday's game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. He suffered a helmet-to-helmet hit from Jaquan Brisker, which now appears to have triggered the current health concern ¹³. Despite this setback, Watson has demonstrated impressive performance this season, completing 65.5% of his passes for 1,806 yards, seven touchdowns, and three interceptions in eight starts ¹.

Shedeur Sanders, who was selected as a 2025 fifth-round draft pick, brings experience to the table after starting seven games as a rookie ¹. His potential debut as a starter comes at a crucial time for the Browns, as they prepare to face the Saints. Meanwhile, Dillon Gabriel, who returned from injured reserve last week, provided cover as the emergency quarterback in Week 8 ¹.

The Browns will be closely monitoring Watson's progress through the concussion protocol to determine whether he can take the field against the Saints. If Watson is cleared, he could return to lead the team in what promises to be an important contest. However, should he remain sidelined, Sanders will have the opportunity to showcase his talents and potentially make a significant impact for the Browns.

What we know

• Deshaun Watson is in the NFL's concussion protocol ¹²³⁴⁵⁶
• Watson experienced concussion symptoms on Tuesday morning ¹⁴⁶
• Shedeur Sanders would likely start if Watson cannot play ¹⁵⁶
• Watson received a helmet-to-helmet hit from Jaquan Brisker in the previous game ¹³
• The Browns' game against the New Orleans Saints is scheduled for Sunday ¹²
• Watson has completed 65.5% of his passes for 1,806 yards, seven touchdowns, and three interceptions in eight starts this season ¹
• Sanders was a 2025 fifth-round draft pick and started seven games as a rookie ¹
• Dillon Gabriel returned from injured reserve last week and served as the emergency quarterback in Week 8 ¹