The Browns may go without starting quarterback **[Deshaun Watson](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WatsDe00.htm?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.profootballrumors.com&utm_campaign=2026-11-04_pfr)** in Week 9. Watson has been placed in concussion protocol, the team announced. If he can’t play, the Browns will start [**Shedeur Sanders**](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/SandSh00.htm?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.profootballrumors.com&utm_campaign=2026-11-04_pfr) against the Saints on Sunday.
_“During the first quarter of Sunday’s game against the Steelers, Deshaun took a helmet-to-helmet hit,”_ the Browns stated. _“The ATC spotter called down to the sideline, and the Unaffiliated Neurotrauma Consultant (UNC) administered a gameday concussion evaluation. Deshaun was cleared by the UNC and returned on the Browns’ next offensive series. As part of the protocol, the team’s medical staff evaluated him again postgame and Monday morning. Both times he showed no symptoms, passed his evaluations, and was cleared. On Tuesday morning, he reported to the medical staff that he began experiencing concussion symptoms Monday night and was immediately placed in the concussion protocol.”_
_More to come…_