Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson has entered the NFL's concussion protocol, creating immediate uncertainty at the position for the team's upcoming Week 9 game against the New Orleans Saints.
Watson was evaluated after experiencing concussion symptoms that reportedly began Monday night, the team announced Wednesday. This follows a helmet-to-helmet hit he sustained during the first quarter of Sunday's game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Although he was cleared by an unaffiliated neurotrauma consultant and returned to the game, and subsequently passed postgame and Monday morning evaluations, he reported delayed symptoms Tuesday.
Delayed concussion symptoms are not typical but can occur, and Watson's entry into the protocol means he will need to pass a series of steps before being cleared to play. The Browns have stated that he was cleared by the consultant on game day and again postgame and Monday morning, but began experiencing symptoms Monday night and was immediately placed in the protocol.
With Watson sidelined, backup quarterback Shedeur Sanders is expected to take repetitions in practice as the team prepares for the Saints. This situation is significant for the 5-3 Browns, who are currently third in the AFC North and are vying for a playoff spot.
Unofficial statistics suggest that quarterbacks entering concussion protocol miss at least one game more than 70% of the time. Should Watson be unable to play, the coaching staff may also consider third-stringer Dillon Gabriel as an option. Sanders had reportedly hired a new agent in recent weeks, which may have been part of a plan to seek a trade, but Watson's current status places him in line for a potential starting role.