Deshaun Watson Enters Concussion Protocol, Adding Another Chapter to Cleveland's $230 Million Headache
Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson has been placed in the NFL's concussion protocol, putting his status for Sunday's game against the Saints in doubt and forcing Cleveland to navigate another hurdle in their massive investment.
HotTakes Editorial TeamUpdated 1 min read
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Deshaun Watson is in the concussion protocol, meaning the Cleveland Browns are once again staring down the reality of playing football without their $230 million man. ESPN's Adam Schefter broke the news on Wednesday, officially starting the clock on the quarterback's availability for this weekend.
Being in the protocol means Watson has to clear a strict, multi-step neurological gauntlet before he can take another snap. For a guy who has spent the better part of three seasons looking like he is playing a completely different sport than the rest of his offense, a forced pause is just the latest chapter in the most expensive cautionary tale in NFL history.
"Adam Schefter reported the news on X, stating Watson has been placed in concussion protocol."
The numbers are grim enough to make a salary cap manager weep. Over his last 15 games, Watson has managed a thoroughly mediocre 85.5 passer rating with 12 touchdowns and six interceptions. For context, that is roughly $19.1 million per touchdown pass on his fully guaranteed deal.
Despite the offensive turbulence, Cleveland is somehow sitting at 5-3 and right in the thick of the AFC North race. They trail only the 6-2 Pittsburgh Steelers and 5-2 Cincinnati Bengals, building a winning record even after Watson opened the year with a historically bad Week 1 performance where he went 0-for-10 on passes traveling 15 or more air yards.
Now the Browns have to prepare for a road trip to face the 2-5 New Orleans Saints. Sportsbooks will keep this game's line frozen in carbonite until Cleveland officially names a starting quarterback, but the betting market has rarely treated a Watson absence as a massive downgrade for the Browns' offense anyway.
If Watson cannot clear the protocol by the weekend, Cleveland will have to pivot to their backup to keep their playoff hopes on track. The Browns married Watson for better or worse, but right now, they just need someone who can reliably throw a forward pass on Sunday.
Key stats
Key statsWatson has an 85.5 passer rating with 12 touchdowns and 6 interceptions over his last 15 games.
Watson went 0-for-10 on passes of 15 or more air yards in Week 1.
The Browns are currently 5-3 in the AFC North.
What's next
Watson must clear the NFL's concussion protocol to play Sunday against the New Orleans Saints; otherwise, the Browns will turn to their backup quarterback.
