NFL insider Ian Rapoport confirmed on Sunday that Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson will not play against the New Orleans Saints, despite clearing concussion protocol earlier in the week. The 5-3 Browns host the 2-5 Saints at the Superdome, but Watson is expected to be listed as inactive. This marks the first time Watson has missed a game as a starter this season, ending a streak where he had started every contest for Cleveland.
Shadeur Sanders to start as Cleveland’s starter sits out despite clearing concussion protocol
Watson’s absence stems from a hit sustained in the first quarter of the Browns’ Week 8 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Although he cleared sideline evaluations and returned to that game, he reported symptoms early this week and was placed into the league’s concussion protocol. While medical staff cleared him by the end of the week, Watson participated in only one practice session, leading the coaching staff to bench him for this matchup.
Second-year quarterback Shadeur Sanders will take the starting role in New Orleans. The fifth-round pick from the 2025 NFL Draft started seven games as a rookie, completing 56.6% of his passes for 193.3 yards per game, seven touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. With the Saints selecting Tyler Shough in the second round of the same draft, Sanders’ opportunity to secure the starting job may hinge on his performance in this high-stakes divisional clash.
Source: Yahoo Sports
