Cleveland Browns keep Deshaun Watson day-to-day in protocol
The Cleveland Browns placed quarterback Deshaun Watson in the concussion protocol on Nov. 4, 2026, and are treating the quarterback situation on a day-to-day basis as they prepare for their Week 9 game against the New Orleans Saints. Coach Todd Monken did not rule Watson out for the matchup and said the staff will monitor Watson’s progress through the steps of the protocol. The team announced the move Wednesday after Watson reported symptoms to the medical staff earlier in the week. The story was reported by Kelsey Russo on Nov. 4, 2026.
With Watson in the protocol, backup quarterback Shedeur Sanders took first-team reps in Wednesday’s practice and will handle walkthrough duties as part of his preparation to possibly start. Monken said the Browns will add extra walkthroughs and meetings for Sanders this week so the coaching staff can evaluate his command of the game plan and his comfort operating the offense. Sanders has prepared all season by participating in the post-practice Hungry Dawgs session and remaining involved in meetings and on the sideline. Monken said Sanders will take the walkthrough reps and that the team will use the days of practice to see where he is in the game plan.
Sanders has appeared in two games this season, completing one pass in Week 3 and two passes for two yards in Week 8. Both appearances occurred when Watson left the field for part of a series. Coaches noted Sanders received extensive reps in training camp and the preseason, which Monken said is the benefit of opening the position as a competition. Sanders will also be throwing to the Cleveland Browns’ receivers in practice, including wide receiver KC Concepcion Jr., as he taps back into the offense.
Watson reported concussion symptoms Tuesday morning after experiencing a headache Monday night following a helmet-to-helmet hit in the first quarter of the Week 8 game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. He was evaluated for a concussion during that game and was cleared to return before later reporting symptoms to the medical staff. Monken credited Watson for reporting the symptoms and said, “We will let it play out,” as the team follows the medical steps. The Browns will continue to monitor Watson while preparing the game plan for the New Orleans Saints.
NFL Sports Blog Take
The Browns’ decision to keep Deshaun Watson’s status day-to-day aligns with concussion protocol and gives the staff time to evaluate his recovery without rushing a return. Sanders’s limited regular-season game experience is offset by the reps he logged in training camp, the preseason and the team’s post-practice sessions. The added walkthroughs and meetings will provide practice-based evidence of whether he is ready to start against the New Orleans Saints in Week 9. Practice performance this week should be the clearest indicator of the Browns’ quarterback plan heading into the game.