Overview
- The Browns announced Wednesday that Deshaun Watson entered the NFL concussion protocol after reporting symptoms following a helmet-to-helmet hit that led to an in-game evaluation.
- If Watson does not clear the protocol for Week 9, backup Shedeur Sanders is the expected starter for Cleveland’s game at New Orleans this Sunday.
- Cleveland currently carries four quarterbacks on its 53-man roster — Watson, Sanders, Dillon Gabriel and Taylen Green — a depth decision created when Gabriel returned from injured reserve on Oct. 26.
- Media and team voices have debated Sanders’ readiness after he played four snaps and completed 2-of-2 passes for 2 yards in Week 8, while coach Todd Monken both critiqued specific plays and noted the limits of backup practice reps.
- Baltimore’s sudden QB injuries and its recent signing of Kedon Slovis have reignited trade talk about Sanders or Gabriel, but Browns reporters say Cleveland is not actively moving Sanders unless it receives a compelling offer before the Nov. 10 deadline.