Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson was placed in concussion protocol, the team announced Wednesday.
Watson took a helmet-to-helmet hit from Pittsburgh Steelers safety Jaquan Brisker in the first quarter of Sunday's loss. The 31-year-old was evaluated and cleared to return. However, Watson began experiencing symptoms Monday night, according to the team.
Brisker flagged for hit on Watson #Steelers #NFL https://t.co/FCOv8QtjJA
— Steelers Depot 7⃣ (@Steelersdepot) November 1, 2026
Brisker was flagged for roughing the passer on the play and criticized the call postgame.
"Babying the quarterback," Brisker said. "He's over there crying or whatever he's doing. It is what it is. ... He had his binky today."
Watson finished the game with 324 yards, completing 27 of his 39 attempts. He was sacked eight times.
Watson has started all eight games for Cleveland this year. He's thrown for 1,806 yards, seven touchdowns, and three interceptions while completing 65.5% of his passes.
Backup Shedeur Sanders could start Sunday against the New Orleans Saints. The Browns also roster quarterbacks Dillon Gabriel and rookie Taylen Green.
Sanders started seven games last season as a rookie, throwing for 1,400 yards, seven touchdowns, and 10 interceptions with a 56.6% completion rate. The 24-year-old has appeared in two games this year, completing all three of his attempts for two yards.
The Browns are third in the AFC North at 5-3.
