Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson has entered the concussion protocol after experiencing delayed symptoms, the team announced Tuesday.
Watson sustained a helmet-to-helmet hit from Pittsburgh Steelers safety Jaquan Brisker during the Browns' 27-6 loss on Sunday. He underwent an initial on-field evaluation by an independent neurotrauma consultant and was cleared to return to the game after a three-play absence. The team's medical staff also evaluated Watson after the game and again Monday morning, at which point he showed no symptoms and passed all assessments.
However, Watson reported on Tuesday morning that he had begun to experience concussion symptoms Monday night. He was immediately placed in the protocol.
It is currently unclear if Watson will be healthy enough to play in the Browns' upcoming game against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday. Should he be unable to play, Shedeur Sanders would be in line to make his first start of the season. Sanders lost the training camp battle for the starting quarterback position to Watson over the summer. The Browns also have Dillon Gabriel and rookie Taylen Green on their roster.
Watson, who missed the entire previous season due to an Achilles injury, had led the Browns to a 5-3 record through the first eight games of the current season. He has completed 65.6 percent of his passes for 1,806 yards, seven touchdowns, and three interceptions this year. His career has been marked by a suspension following sexual misconduct allegations, which he has denied, stating any sexual encounters were consensual. He was not criminally prosecuted but was suspended by the NFL for violating its personal conduct policy.
