The Cleveland Browns fell 27-6 to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, dropping to their third loss of the season. Deshaun Watson left the game briefly in the first quarter after a helmet-to-helmet hit from safety Jaquan Brisker, then passed his concussion evaluation and returned for Cleveland’s next series.
Watson appeared to clear two more evaluations, one after the game and another Monday morning, without showing symptoms. That picture changed by Tuesday, setting up a tight decision for the Browns ahead of a key divisional-style matchup.
MORE: Deshaun Watson gets unexpected Stephen A. Smith praise as Browns lead AFC North
Deshaun Watson placed in concussion protocol
Deshaun Watson has been placed in the NFL’s concussion protocol, the Browns announced. The team said Watson told medical staff Tuesday morning that he began feeling symptoms Monday night.
Watson must clear the league’s five-step return-to-play process, which ends with sign-off from both the team physician and an independent neurological consultant, before he can play again.
With Deshaun Watson in concussion protocol, Browns QB Sheduer Sanders is next in line to start on Sunday’s game vs. the Saints. pic.twitter.com/Gv1fQycWJe
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 4, 2026
With the New Orleans Saints on deck Sunday, Cleveland has limited time to get clarity on his status.
Shedeur Sanders next in line if Deshaun Watson can’t clear protocol
With Watson in protocol, Shedeur Sanders is next in line to start Sunday’s game against the Saints. Sanders entered Sunday’s loss for four snaps when Watson briefly left the field.
Dillon Gabriel, Cleveland’s No. 3 quarterback, was activated Monday after missing the first seven games with a back injury, while rookie Taylen Green remains on the roster as a fourth option.
Watson has delivered a fourth-quarter, game-winning drive in each of Cleveland’s five victories this season, making his status a central question as the Browns prepare for New Orleans.
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