Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson has entered the NFL's concussion protocol, the team announced Tuesday morning, raising the possibility that Shedeur Sanders will start in Week 9 against the New Orleans Saints.
Watson took a helmet-to-helmet hit during Sunday's 27-6 loss to the Steelers in Pittsburgh. He passed a concussion evaluation during that game, but told team doctors he began experiencing concussion-like symptoms Monday night.
The hit came from Steelers safety Jaquan Brisker and drew a flag. A spotter called down to the sideline so Watson could be checked, and Sanders briefly entered the game before Watson returned. Watson went on to finish the loss with 324 passing yards, though he was sacked eight times and did not throw a touchdown.
Per league rules, the Browns also evaluated Watson for a concussion after the game and again on Monday morning. When he reported his symptoms to the team Tuesday, Cleveland immediately placed him in the protocol.
If Watson is unable to play Sunday, the Browns would likely turn to Sanders, a 24-year-old second-year pro. The game is an important one for Cleveland, which sits at 5-3 on the season.
Sanders has seen very limited action this year, appearing in two games for a total of just five snaps. He has completed all three of his pass attempts for 2 yards.
He did receive significant playing time during Cleveland's quarterback carousel last season, appearing in eight games with seven starts. He threw seven touchdown passes and 10 interceptions while completing 56.6% of his passes. Among the 36 quarterbacks with at least 200 pass attempts, Sanders ranked last in completion percentage, touchdown-to-interception rate and passer rating.
There were bright spots during that stretch, including a three-touchdown performance against the Titans, but his overall play was uneven, and he lost the quarterback battle to Watson this past offseason.
Should Sanders get the call, he would step into a stronger offensive situation than the one he played in a year ago. The Browns upgraded both their offensive line and receiving corps, with rookies Denzel Boston and KC Concepcion making an impression. New Orleans could also offer a favorable matchup, as the Saints' defense ranks 28th in both yards per play and yards per game.
