Deshaun Watson enters concussion protocol, and Shedeur Sanders could start Sunday

The Cleveland Browns placed quarterback Deshaun Watson in the NFL's concussion protocol on Wednesday, and his status for Sunday's game at New Orleans is unclear. The team said Watson told the medical staff Tuesday morning that he was having concussion symptoms.

Watson took a helmet-to-helmet hit from Steelers safety Jaquan Brisker on Cleveland's opening drive of Sunday's 26-7 loss in Pittsburgh. He missed three plays for a sideline check, and the Browns said an independent neurotrauma consultant cleared him to return. He was checked again after the game and on Monday and showed no symptoms until Tuesday.

Sanders is next

If Watson can't clear the protocol, Shedeur Sanders would make his first start of 2026. The 2025 fifth-round pick started seven games as a rookie, going 3-4 while completing 56.6% of his passes for 1,400 yards, seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions. He lost the camp competition to Watson and has thrown three passes this season.

"Last year I say I was able to see what I need to see, feel different things during the games and understand what I need to get better at," Sanders said, per ESPN. He added that he worked on those things through the offseason and camp and is "just excited for the opportunity."

Coach Todd Monken didn't rule Watson out, but he said it is "a little more difficult for a quarterback" to play without practice reps during the week. He sounded ready for the other outcome too. "I can't wait," Monken said. "... That's why you build depth. That's why he got a ton of reps in fall camp."

Dillon Gabriel, back from injured reserve last week, was the emergency quarterback in Week 8. Rookie Taylen Green is also on the roster.

What's at stake

Cleveland is 5-3, third in the AFC North and one game behind first-place Pittsburgh. Watson has started all eight games, completing 65.5% of his passes for 1,806 yards with seven touchdowns and three interceptions.

What to watch

Thursday's practice report is the first real tell. Watson has to pass each step of the protocol before he can take full reps, and Monken's comments suggest the Browns will lean toward Sanders if Watson is still limited late in the week.