The Cleveland Browns placed Deshaun Watson in the NFL's concussion protocol, putting the team's starting quarterback in jeopardy of missing the team's Week 9 game against the New Orleans Saints.

The Browns announced Watson's placement in concussion protocol in a statement released on Wednesday, Nov. 4.

"During the first quarter of Sunday's game against the Steelers, Deshaun took a helmet-to-helmet hit," the Browns statement read. "The ATC spotter called down to the sideline, and the Unaffiliated Neurotrauma Consultant (UNC) administered a gameday concussion evaluation. Deshaun was cleared by the UNC and returned on the Browns' next offensive series."

"As part of the protocol, the team's medical staff evaluated him again postgame and Monday morning," the statement continued. "Both times he showed no symptoms, passed his evaluations, and was cleared. On Tuesday morning, he reported to the medical staff that he began experiencing concussion symptoms Monday night and was immediately placed in the concussion protocol."

Watson has guided the Browns to a surprising 5-3 record in 2026 while completing 65.5% of his passes for 1,806 yards, seven touchdowns and three interceptions.

If Watson can't clear the NFL's concussion protocol ahead of the Browns' Week 9 game against the Saints, backup quarterback Shedeur Sanders would be expected to start.

Sanders, a fifth-round pick from the 2025 NFL Draft, has played sparingly in 2026 after losing the starting job to Watson during the preseason. As a rookie, Sanders completed 56.6% of his passes for 1,400 yards, seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions while leading the Browns to a 3-4 record across seven starts.

The Browns also have 2025 third-round pick Dillon Gabriel and sixth-round rookie Taylen Green on their roster as options at the quarterback position.