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Deshaun Watson placed in concussion protocol in potential Shedeur Sanders opportunity
Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson has entered concussion protocol after reporting symptoms following a helmet-to-helmet hit in Sunday’s 27-6 defeat by Pittsburgh. His absence could give rookie Shedeur Sanders a chance to start against the New Orleans Saints, with Cleveland tied for the AFC’s final wild-card place.
Watson was checked on the sideline and again Monday, then reported symptoms on Monday night to the team’s medical staff on Tuesday morning. This season he has completed 163 of 249 passes for 1,806 yards, seven touchdowns and three interceptions; Sanders completed both of his attempts for two yards against Pittsburgh. Cleveland drafted Sanders in the fifth round in 2026 and says it has no plans to trade him, while moving on from Watson this off-season could leave the team with an $86 million cap hit.
In short
- Watson is in concussion protocol after reporting symptoms.
- Sanders could start for Cleveland against New Orleans.
- Watson’s potential off-season departure carries an $86 million cap hit.
Explained simply
Deshaun Watson is a quarterback for the Cleveland Browns, an American football team in the NFL. Shedeur Sanders is a rookie quarterback the Browns drafted in 2026, and has so far had little playing time.
NFL teams use a concussion protocol to assess players with possible head injuries and decide when they can return. If Watson is unavailable, Sanders could have a chance to play against the New Orleans Saints.
The Browns are tied with other teams for the AFC’s final wild-card place, one of the routes into the play-offs. Watson’s contract could also affect the team’s finances if it moves on from him, so his future is a longer-term issue for Cleveland.