Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson has been placed in the concussion protocol after reporting symptoms to medical staff on Tuesday morning, casting doubt on his availability for Sunday’s matchup against the New Orleans Saints. The 10-year veteran initially sustained a helmet-to-helmet hit in the first quarter of last week’s 27-6 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Although he passed a gameday evaluation and was cleared by an unaffiliated neurotrauma consultant to continue playing, Watson disclosed that he began experiencing symptoms late Monday night, prompting the team to activate the protocol.
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Watson’s injury is a significant setback for Cleveland, as he had just delivered a strong performance against Pittsburgh, completing 27 of 39 passes for 324 yards. This marked his second consecutive game with over 300 passing yards, showcasing his resilience and arm strength despite the physical toll of the contest. The Browns confirmed that Watson underwent evaluations both after Sunday’s game and on Monday morning, where he was cleared after showing no immediate signs of concussion symptoms. However, the delayed onset of symptoms has now triggered the standard NFL protocol, requiring him to be monitored and evaluated before he can return to practice or play.
If Watson is not cleared in time for Sunday’s game, Shedeur Sanders would earn his first start of the season. Sanders, who started the final seven games of his rookie campaign last year, recently saw limited action against the Steelers, completing two passes for two yards in four plays. The potential shift to Sanders represents a critical test for the Browns’ offensive continuity, as they look to stabilize their passing game against a tough Saints defense. Fans and analysts will closely watch Watson’s recovery timeline, as his status will dictate the strategic approach for Cleveland in the coming days.
Source: Yahoo Sports
