Cleveland Browns fans have been eagerly awaiting an update on their lead quarterback, curious to see if he’ll be ready to play in this Sunday’s game against the New Orleans Saints. On Thursday morning, Ian Rapoport delivered that update, and it is one that didn’t surprise many.
“Deshaun Watson came in yesterday with concussion symptoms. He was immediately placed in the NFL concussion protocol. That almost certainly means he is out for Sunday,” Rapoport said. That confirms that, barring some sort of miracle, Watson will definitely be out of the next game.
Of course, that means that someone will take his place, and Rapoport had an update on that too.
“Shedeur Sanders, expected to make his first start of the 2026 season,” he added.
From @GMFB: The latest on injuries to #Jaguars RB Bhayshul Tuten, #Seahawks QB Sam Darnold, and #Browns QB Deshaun Watson. pic.twitter.com/UiJM1ymPbK
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 5, 2026
This isn’t very surprising given the fact that Watson is in concussion protocol. According to Rapoport, the QB came to his team on Monday and complained that he wasn’t feeling well. He suffered a pretty serious hit over the weekend, and a concussion seemed likely.
Even if Watson was feeling great a few days later, the NFL has very strict rules about concussions. No matter how he is physically doing, he is barred from being on the field until an observation period is over. That period will take him through Sunday.
As Rapoport noted, Sanders is expected to step up and lead the team for the first time this season. This was a moment that many people saw coming. They figured there would be some point when Watson would be out, likely due to an injury, and Sanders would be called upon to be QB1.
This will be a pivotal moment for Sanders. It has been a long time since he has led the team. During that time, Watson’s star has risen again, and Sanders’ has cooled off substantially. There are many questions about what comes next for him.
Will he remain in Cleveland, or will the team contemplate shipping him out? How much do they value and need him? Sunday’s game could go a long way to proving Sanders’ importance to the team.
Rapoport’s update isn’t a shocking one. Watson is out, and Sanders is in.
That makes this upcoming game a must-watch.
NEXT: Shedeur Sanders’ Brother Is Not Happy With Browns Reporters
