The Cleveland Browns may be turning to Shedeur Sanders this weekend.

Starting quarterback Deshaun Watson has been placed in the NFL's concussion protocol. His status for Sunday's game at the New Orleans Saints is now up in the air.

The team said Watson told its medical staff Tuesday morning that he had started feeling concussion symptoms Monday night. He was put in the protocol right away.

The hit in Pittsburgh

Watson took a helmet-to-helmet hit from Steelers safety Jaquan Brisker on Cleveland's opening drive last Sunday. Brisker was flagged for roughing the passer.

Watson left for a few plays and was checked by an independent neurotrauma consultant. He was cleared and returned on the next series.

The team's medical staff checked him again after the game and on Monday morning. Both times he showed no symptoms and passed.

He finished the 27-6 loss with 324 passing yards. He was also sacked eight times.

A surprise season

Watson beat out Sanders for the starting job in training camp. He has started all eight games and the Browns are 5-3, one game behind the first-place Steelers in the AFC North.

He has completed 65.5% of his passes for 1,806 yards with seven touchdowns and three interceptions.

Sanders waiting in the wings

Sanders, a 2025 fifth-round pick, started seven games as a rookie. He has thrown just three passes this season.

Dillon Gabriel came back from injured reserve last week and would likely be the backup. Rookie Taylen Green is also on the roster.