The Cleveland Browns announced Wednesday that quarterback Deshaun Watson has been entered into the league’s concussion protocol. The team said Watson absorbed a helmet-to-helmet hit in the first quarter of Sunday’s loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, prompting the concussion spotter to call for an on-field evaluation. An Unaffiliated Neurotrauma Consultant cleared him to return after he missed four plays.
Under protocol, Watson underwent follow-up checks after the game and again Monday morning, both times showing no symptoms and being cleared. However, on Tuesday morning he reported new concussion symptoms to team medical staff and was subsequently placed into protocol.
Watson finished the loss with 324 passing yards but was sacked eight times; he now has been brought down 33 times this season, the most of any NFL quarterback. The team has not set a timetable for his return. Cleveland faces the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, and if Watson is unavailable, rookie Shedeur Sanders would be the likely starter.
Sanders — who hasn’t started since Week 18 last season — made his second appearance of 2026 in the brief relief stint against Pittsburgh, completing both of his attempts for 2 yards. He previously appeared in Week 3, completing his lone pass against the Carolina Panthers.
Fan Take: This matters because Watson’s health affects both the Browns’ playoff hopes and broader conversations about quarterback safety in a league where elite passers are taking more hits than ever. If Watson misses time, it’s a test of Cleveland’s depth and could accelerate scrutiny and rule discussions around protecting quarterbacks.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
