Watson’s Concussion Could Put Shedeur Sanders in Browns’ Starting Role
WHO:
NBC Sports - Browns wide receiver KC Concepcion said the offense was rallying around Shedeur Sanders.
Heavy NFL - Browns coach Todd Monken raised a concern about Deshaun Watson’s chances of playing against the Saints.
Heavy NFL - Shedeur Sanders is a Cleveland Browns quarterback who reacted to the possibility of starting against the New Orleans Saints.
clevelandbrowns.com - Deshaun Watson is the Browns quarterback placed in the NFL concussion protocol.
Daily Mail Sports - Pittsburgh Steelers safety Jaquan Brisker was identified as the player involved in Watson’s helmet-to-helmet hit.
Pro Football Network - NFL fans reacted to the possibility that Sanders could start for the Browns.
Sportskeeda - NFL fans discussed Sanders potentially starting while Watson was in concussion protocol.
FF Today - Adam Schefter, cited in a post on X, said Sanders was next in line to start.
WHAT:
NBC Sports - Concepcion said, “It was unfortunate what happened to Deshaun, but we’re going to pick up Shedeur’s confidence, and get him ready for Sunday.”
NBC Sports - The Browns had not officially named Sanders the starter; he had played only enough to throw three passes that season.
NBC Sports - Sanders started seven games as a rookie the previous year and struggled.
NBC Sports - The Browns had playoff aspirations.
clevelandbrowns.com - The Browns said Watson reported concussion symptoms to team medical staff and was immediately placed in the concussion protocol.
Heavy NFL - Watson’s status raised the possibility that Sanders could start against the Saints.
Pro Football Network - Watson’s concussion protocol could give Sanders an opportunity to start in Week 9.
Fox News - Watson entered concussion protocol after a helmet-to-helmet hit, leaving the Browns considering Sanders as a possible starting quarterback.
FF Today - The outlet said to expect Sanders to start in Week 9 against the Saints.
Daily Mail Sports - The Browns lost 27–6 to the Steelers.
WHERE:
clevelandbrowns.com - Watson was hit during a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Heavy NFL - The potential matchup for Sanders’ start is against the New Orleans Saints.
Daily Mail Sports - The game was against the Browns’ AFC North rivals, the Pittsburgh Steelers.
WHEN:
Pro Football Network - The potential start was described as being in Week 9.
Heavy NFL - The Saints were preparing to play the Browns in Week 9 after their bye.
WHY:
clevelandbrowns.com - Watson was placed in the protocol after reporting that concussion symptoms began the night after the game.
FF Today - The outlet said players typically miss at least a week when placed in concussion protocol.
HOW:
clevelandbrowns.com - In the first quarter, an ATC spotter called to the sideline after Watson took a helmet-to-helmet hit. An Unaffiliated Neurotrauma Consultant administered a game-day concussion evaluation; Watson was cleared and returned on the Browns’ next offensive series.
clevelandbrowns.com - Team medical staff evaluated Watson after the game and the following morning. He showed no symptoms, passed both evaluations, and was cleared before reporting symptoms later.
FF Today - The Saints’ defense was ranked middle of the pack against quarterbacks, allowing the 19th-most fantasy points to the position.
Deshaun Watson entered concussion protocol, putting Shedeur Sanders in contention to start against New Orleans. The Browns have not named a starter, but teammates are rallying around Sanders. Watson reported symptoms after a helmet-to-helmet hit against Pittsburgh.