Shedeur Sanders poised to start for Browns after Deshaun Watson enters concussion protocol

Deshaun Watson entered the NFL concussion protocol on Tuesday morning, a move that places second-year quarterback Shedeur Sanders in line to start for the Cleveland Browns in Week 9. The team announced the development after Watson reported feeling concussion-like symptoms late Monday night, despite having passed initial evaluations earlier in the week.

Watson’s status stems from a helmet-to-helmet contact with Steelers safety Jaquan Brisker during Sunday’s game. A spotter called for Watson to be checked on the sideline, and he briefly exited the contest. Although Sanders entered the game momentarily, Watson returned and finished the 27-6 loss with 324 passing yards, eight sacks, and zero touchdowns. Team doctors evaluated Watson after the game and again on Monday morning in accordance with league rules. The protocol was activated only when Watson communicated his symptoms to the medical staff on Tuesday.

If Watson is cleared for the field, he will continue as the starter. However, if he remains in the protocol, Sanders is expected to take over the offense against the New Orleans Saints. Sanders, 24, has limited experience in this specific role. He appeared in two games this season for a total of five snaps, completing all three of his pass attempts for two yards. This would mark a significant leap in responsibility for the quarterback, who lost the starting battle to Watson during the offseason.

Sanders’ previous season featured a heavier workload. He started seven of eight games last year, throwing seven touchdown passes and 10 interceptions while completing 56.6% of his attempts. Among the 36 quarterbacks with at least 200 pass attempts that season, Sanders ranked last in completion percentage, touchdown-to-interception ratio, and passer rating. He did have a notable performance against the Titans, throwing three touchdowns, but his overall statistics placed him at the bottom of the league in those key metrics.

The context for this potential start has changed since last season. The Browns have upgraded their offensive line and wide receiver corps this year. Rookies Denzel Boston and KC Concepcion have impressed during the current campaign. Additionally, the Saints present a potentially favorable matchup for a young quarterback. New Orleans’ defense currently ranks 28th in the league in yards per play and yards per game. The Browns are 5-3 entering this week’s contest.