Breaking News: Browns QB Deshaun Watson enters concussion protocol days after Steelers game

CLEVELAND (AP) — The Cleveland Browns announced Wednesday that quarterback Deshaun Watson has been placed in the NFL’s concussion protocol after self-reporting symptoms, casting doubt on his availability for Sunday’s game against the New Orleans Saints. The news comes three days after Watson took a helmet-to-helmet hit from Steelers safety Jaquan Brisker in the first quarter of Cleveland’s 27-6 loss at Pittsburgh. Watson briefly left that game but was cleared by the Unaffiliated Neurotrauma Consultant and returned on the next offensive series . He finished the game, completing 27 of 39 passes for 324 yards, and was evaluated again postgame and Monday morning without showing symptoms. According to a team statement, Watson reported to the medical staff on Tuesday morning that he began experiencing concussion symptoms Monday night, prompting the immediate protocol placement. Head coach Todd Monken said the team is taking a day-to-day approach and has not ruled Watson out for Week 9, but Shedeur Sanders took first-team reps in Wednesday’s practice. “Credit to Deshaun, after the game felt fine. Monday night started feeling a little bit of a headache and came in Tuesday and reported,” Monken said. “So, credit to him for someone who really loves playing the game. And so, he is in the protocol. We’ll let it play out”.

Monken acknowledged the challenge of a quarterback missing practice time while in the protocol but emphasized that every situation is different. He also indicated that Watson would remain the starter once cleared. To play Sunday, Watson must pass the league’s five-phase return-to-participation protocol, which culminates in clearance by both the team physician and an Independent Neurological Consultant. The Browns have had players clear the protocol within a week twice already this season, but the timeline remains uncertain. Watson has started all eight games for Cleveland this season, completing 65.5 percent of his passes for 1,806 yards with seven touchdowns and three interceptions while being sacked a league-high 33 times . The Browns (5-3) host the Saints on Sunday.