Deshaun Watson, the Browns’ starting quarterback, is in concussion protocol. That’s the official word from the team as of Wednesday morning, and it throws a massive wrench into their plans for Week 9. This isn’t just about a player being out, it’s about a bizarre timeline that has everyone scratching their heads.
The Head-Scratching Concussion Timeline
The whole situation started on Sunday during the first quarter of their game against the Steelers. Watson took a helmet-to-helmet hit, and you know how quickly those can become a problem. An ATC spotter called it down to the sideline, and the Unaffiliated Neurotrauma Consultant, the UNC, did a gameday evaluation. The crazy part? Watson was cleared by the UNC and got right back out there on the Browns’ next offensive series.
It gets wilder. The team’s medical staff evaluated him again postgame and then again on Monday morning. Both times, he showed no symptoms, passed all his evaluations, and was cleared to go. Then Tuesday morning hits, and Watson reports to the medical staff that he started experiencing concussion symptoms on Monday night. Immediately, boom, he’s in concussion protocol. He’s staying in protocol until he clears all the necessary steps, which, let’s be real, could take a minute.
Who Takes the Snaps for Week 9?
So, what does this mean for the Browns’ upcoming Week 9 matchup against the Saints? Quarterback Shedeur Sanders is now potentially looking at more than a handful of snaps. He’s presumably the starter, at least for now, unless the coaching staff decides to pivot and put Dillon Gabriel under center. Talk about unexpected drama this late into the regular season.
The uncertainty around the QB position is palpable for the Browns. Every single snap in Week 9 is going to be under a microscope. Good luck, fellas, you’re gonna need it!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pro Football Talk.
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