Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson has been placed in the concussion protocol, creating an opportunity for backup Shedeur Sanders to start the team's upcoming game against the New Orleans Saints. The Browns announced the move Wednesday morning, a day after Watson reported experiencing concussion symptoms from a hit he sustained during Sunday's loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Watson suffered a helmet-to-helmet collision during the game. He was initially evaluated on the sideline and again on Monday before reporting symptoms Monday night. The team then immediately placed him in the protocol.
Sanders had entered the game against the Steelers after Watson's injury. Prior to this, Watson, in his return from an Achilles injury, had held onto the starting quarterback position. The Browns have indicated they have no plans to trade Sanders before the upcoming deadline.