{
  "id": 18786598,
  "title": "Browns’ Deshaun Watson Clears Concussion Protocol, But There’s a Catch",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/07/browns-deshaun-watson-clears-concussion-protocol-but-theres-a-catch",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-11-07T20:53:01.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Newsweek",
    "slug": "newsweek",
    "url": "https://www.newsweek.com/sports/nfl/browns-deshaun-watson-clears-concussion-protocol-but-theres-a-catch-12682068"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Quarterback Deshaun Watson has cleared the concussion protocol and the Cleveland Browns are uncertain if he will play in their game against the New Orleans Saints on November 8th. Watson passed the protocol on November 7, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. However, the team currently lists him as questionable for the upcoming match. Head coach Todd Monken named rookie Shedeur Sanders as the starter on November 6, but Watson's role remains unclear. Monken stated, \"Haven't decided that yet, we're still, you know, working through that, working through his ability to clear it.\" Dillon Gabriel would likely assume the second-string role if Watson is not eligible to play. Watson suffered a concussion in Week 8 during a 27-6 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, when Safety Jaquan Brisker hit him helmet-to-helmet. Sanders completed two out of two passes for two yards over four plays in his first start. Pittsburgh sacked Watson eight times, which set a career high for him. Through eight starts this season, Watson has thrown for 1,806 yards, seven touchdowns, and three interceptions, with a passer rating of 91.2. He has also led five fourth-quarter comebacks. The game is scheduled to kick off at 1 p.m. ET on November 8, with Sanders set to start under center and the status of Watson's participation still uncertain.",
  "summary": "Deshaun Watson is out of concussion protocol, but his Week 9 role for the Browns vs. Saints is still a question mark.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Yahoo Sports",
        "title": "Why Browns are still starting Shedeur Sanders after Deshaun Watson clears concussion protocol",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/07/why-browns-are-still-starting-shedeur-sanders-after-deshaun-watson",
        "published": "2026-11-07T18:13:20.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}