Browns coach Todd Monken on QB question heading into Saints game

BEREA ― The Browns are dealing with another potential situation where they could deep into the week with a key starter in concussion protocol. However, the situation surrouding quarterback Deshaun Watson is much different that what right tackle Tytus Howard had to do to be able to play.

Watson entered the protocol on Nov. 3 after complaining of concussion symptoms two days after taking a hit to the head in the first quarter of the Browns’ Week 8 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. That same game, Howard started and played the entire game at right tackle despite having not practiced until the walkthrough the day before.

That’s why, with each day that goes by toward the weekend, it should become clearer if Watson will be able to return for the Nov. 8 game at the New Orleans Saints. If he can’t go, then the start will go to second-year backup Shedeur Sanders, who took all of the No. 1 reps in practice Nov. 4.

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“I don’t know that,” Browns coach Todd Monken said Nov. 4. “I’m not saying I won’t. I mean, there’s a long time between now and then, right? I mean, look where the Ravens are at. And you don’t know as the week goes on what could happen. It’s not ideal, right? It’s not ideal for any player to go through a week and not practice and then play. We know that. But every situation is different.”

Watson only missed four plays due to the hit by Jaquan Brisker with 13:33 remaining in the first quarter of the loss in Pittsburgh. He returned to post his highest passing total since arriving in Cleveland, with 324 yards, on 27-of-39 passing.

However, some 36 hours later, Watson found himself in concussion protocol. Monken, meanwhile, finds himself about 24 hours away from likely having to just go forward with Sanders if his regular starter can’t clear protocol.

That moment hasn’t quite arrived yet for the Browns head coach.

“Wouldn’t say that yet,” Monken said. “What I would say is credit to Deshaun, after the game, felt fine.  Monday night, started feeling a little bit, little bit of a headache, and came in Tuesday and, you know, reported. So, credit to him for someone who really loves playing the game. And so, he is in the protocol. And Shedeur will take the reps today with the ones.”

Monken famously said during the offseason program he felt like the Browns had two starting quarterbacks. That’s while Watson and Sanders were locked in a competition to be the actual starting quarterback.

Watson the job. Sanders, now, has a chance to show how he’s tried to maintain his development while getting virtually no reps during practice.

“Well, he’s going to get all the walkthrough reps, all the team reps,” Monken said. “We’ve had our Hungry Dawgs group that gets reps after practice, some of the young guys. That’s a limited amount. He’s been in all the meetings previously. He’s seen all the game films.

“I mean, but we’re going to have to get some extra walks in, some extra meetings in with him as we proceed. But he’s been working diligently each week, with the expectation there’s a chance he could play, which was true in any given game. He was going to have to prepare. Just like what happened last game when he went in the game.”

Sanders has completed all three of his passes this season for two yards. He’s only played in two games, with a total of five plays, while Watson has been sidelined following late hits on the opposing defense.

Monken, though, said Sanders has been as involved as possible despite the very limited snaps.

“Well, every quarterback sees it a little bit differently, especially when they’re not playing,” Monken said. “So, I do think he’s been diligent. He’s been involved on the sideline. He’s right there when we come off the field with (quarterbacks) coach (Mike) Bajakian and Shaun (Watson). And what he sees, again, it’s a completely different perspective, right? The man in the arena has it a heck of a lot harder, right, with the other guys trying to get him on the ground and seeing the coverage. It’s a lot easier for all of us to look at it from that end, but he’s done a great job, week-to-week, preparing like he’s going to play.”

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This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Browns coach Todd Monken on QB question heading into Saints game

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