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11/04 16:51 CST Browns QB Watson enters concussion protocol after symptoms surfaced; Sanders could go against Saints Browns QB Watson enters concussion protocol after symptoms surfaced; Sanders could go against Saints BEREA, Ohio (AP) --- Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson could be sidelined for Sunday's game at New Orleans after being placed in the concussion protocol. The 10-year veteran began experiencing symptoms Monday night after taking a helmet-to-helmet hit during last week's 27-6 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. If Watson is unable to play, Shedeur Sanders would get his first start of the season. Sanders got his first extended practice with the starters since training camp. Coach Todd Monken indicated on Wednesday that the longer Watson remains in the protocol, the chances improve for Watson to start. "I would say it's a little more difficult for a quarterback than it was for, say, (offensive tackle) Tytus (Howard) last week, but we'll let it play out," Monken said. "If you're not able to take the team reps and the throwing reps, how do you get the timing with your receivers? I'm just saying it's very difficult that way." Steelers safety Jaquan Brisker had the helmet-to-helmet hit on Watson on the third play of the game and received a roughing the passer penalty. The independent certified athletic trainer watching the game from the press box called down to the Browns sideline and Watson was given a gameday concussion evaluation and cleared by the unaffiliated neurotrauma consultant. Watson returned to the game and completed 27 of 39 passes for 324 yards, his second straight 300-yard game. The Browns said Wednesday morning that Watson received evaluations after Sunday's game and Monday morning. He was cleared after showing no symptoms. Watson told the medical staff Tuesday morning he began experiencing symptoms Monday night when he was placed in the concussion protocol. Sanders was in for four plays against the Steelers, and completed both of his passes for 2 yards. He started the final seven games of his rookie season last year, going 3-4 with seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions. Sanders showed steady improvement throughout the offseason, but was unable to beat out Watson for the starting spot. Wednesday marked the first time he spoke to reporters since training camp. "I'm comfortable when the ball's in my hands in general. So just go in there, do what I have to do, play the long game, win everything and just be excited to get out there," Sanders said. Sanders also got plenty of time during the offseason to work with the starters, which is something he didn't have the luxury of doing last season, when he was thrust into the lineup after taking snaps with only the second and third teams. "It was valuable, just tapping back into that memory bank, having those reps and everything. That's why I'm thankful for this whole offseason and everything and just being out there with the guys each and every day, being able to still get some throws in with them. So I don't think we lost a step," he said. Watson's starts in the first eight weeks is the longest in-season run he has had as the Browns starter since being acquired from Houston in 2022. He missed the first 11 games in 2022 because of a league suspension resulting from his alleged sexual misconduct during massage therapy sessions before starting the final six contests. He started the first seven games in 2024 before the first of two Achilles tendon injuries. In 2023, Watson made six starts --- including the first three games --- before a season-ending shoulder injury in Week 10 against Baltimore. This season, Watson is the third quarterback since the 1970 merger to have a game-winning drive in each of his team's first five wins. The late heroics have come despite the offense struggling most of the time. Sunday's game could be a matchup of quarterbacks from the 2025 NFL draft class. The Saints bypassed Sanders and took Tyler Shough with the 40th overall pick. The Browns ended up trading up in the fifth round to select Sanders. "Shedeur was a really solid draft prospect a couple years ago. We made the decision to go with Tyler," Saints coach Kellen Moore said. "Shedeur had a lot of success at Colorado and his ability to throw the football and make plays. I think you're looking at a class that has a number of players who are going to start in this league for a long time at QB." ___ See AP's full NFL coverage here

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