Browns QB Deshaun Watson in concussion protocol. Shedeuer Sanders may start

BEREA ― Deshaun Watson may not be available for the Browns when they face the New Orleans Saints. The Browns announced the quarterback has been placed in concussion protocol.“During the first quarter of Sunday’s game against the Steelers, Deshaun took a helmet-to-helmet hit," the team said in a statement. "The ATC spotter called down to the sideline, and the Unaffiliated Neurotrauma Consultant (UNC) administered a gameday concussion evaluation. Deshaun was cleared by the UNC and returned on the Browns’ next offensive series. As part of the protocol, the team’s medical staff evaluated him again postgame and Monday morning. Both times he showed no symptoms, passed his evaluations, and was cleared. On Tuesday morning, he reported to the medical staff that he began experiencing concussion symptoms Monday night and was immediately placed in the concussion protocol.”If Watson can't go, the expectation is backup Shedeur Sanders would start with Cleveland plays at the New Orleans Saints Nov. 8. Sanders came on for two plays in the Browns' Week 8 loss at the Pittsburgh Steelers when Watson left the game to be evaluated for a concussion.Subscribe to Browns Insider newsletterWatson had started the first eight games for the Browns after beating out Sanders in a training camp competition. Sanders started the final seven games of his rookie season in 2025.This is a developing story.Buy Cleveland Browns ticketsThis article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Browns QB Deshaun Watson in concussion protocol. Shedeuer Sanders may startOur editors independently choose our recommendations. Some content is produced with paid support from a third party, however our editorial decisions remain independent. If you buy through our links, the USA TODAY Network may earn a commission. Prices and availability may change.