Sports · November 4, 2026
Shedeur Sanders in line to start Week 9 as Browns place Deshaun Watson in concussion protocol
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The Cleveland Browns have placed starting quarterback Deshaun Watson in the NFL's concussion protocol following a helmet-to-helmet hit during Sunday's game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Although Watson was cleared by neurotrauma consultants during and after the 27-6 loss, he reported concussion-like symptoms on Tuesday morning. Second-year quarterback Shedeur Sanders is expected to start for the 5-3 Browns in their Week 9 matchup against the New Orleans Saints if Watson is unable to play. Watson, who is returning this season from a serious Achilles injury, has led the team to a tied position for the final AFC wild-card spot.
Read the original coverage
- Yahoo SportsSports network
Shedeur Sanders in line to start Week 9 as Browns place Deshaun Watson in concussion protocol
Read at Yahoo Sports ↗ - New York PostTabloid
Deshaun Watson placed in concussion protocol in potential Shedeur Sanders opportunity
Read at New York Post ↗ - CBS SportsSports network
Browns
Read at CBS Sports ↗ - NewsweekMainstream
Browns Place Deshaun Watson in Concussion Protocol Before Week 9 Game vs Saints
Read at Newsweek ↗ - Fox NewsMainstream
Deshaun Watson enters concussion protocol, leaving Browns eyeing Shedeur Sanders as possible starting QB
Read at Fox News ↗
Reported by multiple outlets
- Deshaun Watson was placed in the concussion protocol on Tuesday morning
- Watson reported concussion symptoms on Tuesday morning after showing none on Sunday or Monday
- Watson took a helmet-to-helmet hit during the Week 8 game against the Steelers
- Shedeur Sanders is the likely starter for Week 9 against the Saints if Watson cannot play
- The Cleveland Browns currently hold a 5-3 record
Reported by only some outlets
- Watson completed 163-of-249 passes for 1,806 yards and seven touchdowns this season
- Watson was sacked eight times during the loss to the Steelers
- The hit on Watson by Jaquan Brisker was flagged by officials
- Sanders has completed three passes for 2 yards across two game appearances this season
- The Browns are tied with New England for the final AFC wild-card spot
Confirmed
- Deshaun Watson is in the NFL concussion protocol
- The Browns play the New Orleans Saints in Week 9
- Watson took a helmet-to-helmet hit from Jaquan Brisker on Sunday
- Watson was cleared by an unaffiliated neurotrauma consultant on game day
Reported
- Watson reported experiencing concussion symptoms on Monday night (Cleveland Browns)
- The timing of the symptoms makes it unlikely Watson will be cleared for Sunday (Newsweek)
Rumor
- Shedeur Sanders will likely start the Week 9 game (Yahoo Sports, CBS Sports, and Newsweek)
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