A major story is developing in Cleveland that could change which quarterback the New Orleans Saints face in Week 9 when they host the Cleveland Browns.
According to the Browns, the team placed starting quarterback Deshaun Watson in concussion protocol.
Medical personnel evaluated Watson for a concussion during the Browns’ 27-6 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers last week and cleared him to return. He then finished the game completing 27 of 39 passes for 324 yards with no touchdowns and no interceptions. He did lose a fumble, however.
A Browns press release detailed how the following days played out, leading to his placement in concussion protocol:
“As a part of the protocol, the team’s medical staff evaluated [Watson] again postgame and Monday morning. 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.”
Passing through the protocol requires a number of steps. First, the medical staff places the player on a limited activity plan. He then moves into aerobic exercise before advancing to more sport-specific activities that can include 30 minutes of a limited practice menu with monitoring. The fouIn the fourth phase, the player can participate in noncontact football activities, including running, throwing, catching and position-specific drills. After completing that phase, the player must undergo another evaluation. An independent neurological consultant must then clear him to return to practice or a game.
Watson may struggle to complete the protocol before practice begins Wednesday, just one day after the Browns placed him in it.
If Watson isn’t cleared in time, the Browns will turn to second-year quarterback Shedeur Sanders.
After the 2025 NFL Draft, there was an ongoing debate about the Saints’ selection of quarterback Tyler Shough in the second round as Sanders fell to the fifth round. That is, until Shough led New Orleans to five wins in the final nine games of the season and finished as the runner-up for Offensive Rookie of the Year.
This is sure to be a massive storyline heading into the game if Shough and Sanders square off.
New Orleans should be well-rested coming off its bye week as the team looks to extend the Browns’ 23-game road losing streak. An unexpected change at quarterback could give the Saints an edge in securing a convincing win.
