# Deshaun Watson enters concussion protocol, leaving Browns eyeing Shedeur Sanders as possible starting QB

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/deshaun-watson-enters-concussion-protocol-leaving-browns-eyeing-shedeur-sanders-as-possible-starting-qb/
- Published: 2026-11-04T14:34:01+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-05T09:42:26+00:00
- Original publisher: Fox News (publisher lean: Right)
- Original article: https://www.foxnews.com/outkick-sports/deshaun-watson-enters-concussion-protocol-browns-eyeing-shedeur-sanders-possible-starting-qb
- Topics: World

## Key points

- Watson entered concussion protocol after delayed symptoms.
- Shedeur Sanders could start against the Saints.
- The Browns are 5–3 and chasing a playoff place.

## Summary

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson has entered the NFL concussion protocol ahead of the team’s Week 9 game against the New Orleans Saints, leaving the starting position uncertain. The situation matters because the 5–3 Browns are chasing a playoff place and may need to rely on backup Shedeur Sanders.

Watson took a helmet-to-helmet hit against Pittsburgh on Sunday, passed evaluations during and after the game, then reported symptoms on Tuesday after they began the previous night. He must clear the protocol, which often takes several days; unofficial figures cited in the article suggest quarterbacks who enter it miss at least one game more than 70 per cent of the time. Sanders is expected to take starter’s practice repetitions, though the Browns could instead turn to third-string quarterback Dillon Gabriel.

---
Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.