The Cleveland Browns announced on 4 November 2026 that quarterback Deshaun Watson was in the concussion protocol, according to the club's statement that day. Cleveland is preparing Shedeur Sanders for a possible start against the New Orleans Saints, although head coach Todd Monken has not ruled Watson out.
Browns detail when Watson reported symptoms
Watson took a helmet-to-helmet hit in the first quarter of the Browns' game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, the club said. An independent consultant evaluated him during the game, cleared him and allowed him to return on Cleveland's next offensive series. The team said its medical staff checked him again after the game and on Monday morning, with no symptoms reported at either assessment.
According to the same Browns statement, Watson told medical staff on Tuesday morning that concussion symptoms had begun on Monday night. The club's statement says he was immediately placed in the protocol, while a separate Browns practice report dates the placement to Wednesday. The two reports agree that an initial clearance during the Steelers game did not settle his status for Cleveland's next fixture.
The Browns' follow-up report describes the quarterback situation as a day-to-day decision through the practice week. It does not say that Watson has been ruled out. His availability depends on how he progresses through the protocol, while the team prepares another quarterback to take the offence if needed.
Sanders takes first-team practice reps
SportsRivo checked the Browns' separate practice report against the club's medical statement. The later report says Sanders took first-team repetitions on Wednesday and would also receive walkthrough reps as he prepared for a possible Saints start. That is a concrete preparation step, while the head coach's position on Watson remains open.
Head coach Todd Monken said: “We’ll let it play out. But Shedeur, again, he’ll take the reps today with the ones.” The Browns also reported plans for extra walkthroughs and meetings with Sanders. Monken said the practice sessions would help coaches assess how Sanders handles the game plan and works with Cleveland's receivers. Sanders has been Cleveland's backup quarterback during the opening part of the season, according to the club report. He has continued taking additional after-practice repetitions and joining the quarterback discussions on the sideline. Those preparations now form part of the Browns' immediate plan for the Saints matchup.
What the protocol means for the Browns
- Watson's game status remains undecided. Monken has not ruled him out, and the club is taking the decision day by day.
- Sanders took first-team practice reps and is due to receive walkthrough reps, giving Cleveland a prepared option if Watson does not clear the protocol.
- Coaches are using the week's practices to assess Sanders with the regular receivers and game plan before deciding how to approach the Saints game.
The Saints matchup is the next test
Cleveland's next confirmed opponent in the club report is New Orleans. The Browns have not announced a final starting quarterback for that matchup. Watson's progress through the protocol and Sanders' work in practice will determine what the club can assess before the game; the club's update leaves both possibilities open.
Source: Cleveland Browns statement