Sports · American Football · 1 hr ago
Deshaun Watson enters concussion protocol, putting Browns start in doubt
Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson has entered the NFL's concussion protocol after reporting symptoms on Tuesday.
He took a helmet-to-helmet hit from Pittsburgh Steelers safety Jaquan Brisker during Sunday's 27-6 loss.
Watson was checked during the game and again afterward and on Monday, but showed no symptoms in those evaluations.
The delayed symptoms leave his availability for Sunday's game against the New Orleans Saints uncertain.
If Watson cannot play, Shedeur Sanders is in line for his first start this season after serving as his backup.
Sanders started seven games as a rookie in 2025 but has thrown only three passes this season.
The Browns are 5-3 and one game behind the Steelers in the AFC North, and the team could also turn to Dillon Gabriel or rookie Taylen Green.
Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson has entered the NFL’s concussion protocol after reporting symptoms.
Watson took a helmet-to-helmet hit during the Browns’ 27-6 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday.
He was cleared after an initial evaluation and later evaluations after the game and on Monday, before reporting symptoms on Tuesday morning.
His availability for Sunday’s game against the New Orleans Saints is uncertain.
If Watson cannot play, Shedeur Sanders is in line to make his first start of the season.
- Who
- Deshaun Watson, the Cleveland Browns’ starting quarterback, and potentially backup Shedeur Sanders.
- What
- Watson entered the NFL’s concussion protocol after reporting symptoms. His availability for the next game is uncertain.
- When
- Watson reported symptoms on Tuesday morning, after they began Monday night.
- Where
- Watson was injured during the Browns’ game in Pittsburgh. The Browns’ next game is on the road against the New Orleans Saints.
- Why
- Watson reported concussion symptoms after taking a helmet-to-helmet hit from Steelers safety Jaquan Brisker.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Watson took a helmet-to-helmet hit during the Browns’ 27-6 loss to the Steelers and was cleared to return after an evaluation.
The Browns’ medical staff evaluated Watson again, and the team said he showed no symptoms.
Watson began experiencing concussion symptoms.
Watson reported the symptoms to the team’s medical staff and entered the concussion protocol.
- Hit
- Helmet-to-helmet contact with Steelers safety Jaquan Brisker
- Game score
- Browns lost 27-6 to the Pittsburgh Steelers
- Next game
- Sunday at the New Orleans Saints
- Watson’s season passing
- 1,806 yards, seven touchdowns and three interceptions
- Sanders’ season passing
- Three completions on three attempts for two yards
4 sources
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Deshaun Watson has been placed in concussion protocol
Brisker flagged for hit on Watson #Steelers #NFL