The Cleveland Browns have been one of the NFL's biggest surprises with a 5-3 record, but a potential setback at quarterback has put a damper on their Week 9 matchup against the New Orleans Saints.
Deshaun Watson is currently in concussion protocol, making his availability for Sunday's trip to New Orleans the biggest question facing Cleveland.
So, when will Deshaun Watson return?
Let’s assess his outlook.
When will Deshaun Watson return?
Deshaun Watson’s availability against the New Orleans Saints is in real doubt. The Cleveland Browns announced that they had placed him in concussion protocol on Tuesday after suffering a helmet-to-helmet hit in their Week 8 loss to Pittsburgh.
Watson leads the league with five fourth-quarter game-winning drives this season after returning from a nearly two-year absence due to a ruptured Achilles, and he's been on pace for his best statistical season since 2020.
With Watson sidelined, Shedeur Sanders has taken all the first-team reps in practice.
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Deshaun Watson injury history
| Date | Team | Injury | Return |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nov. 2017 |
 HOU |
Torn right ACL | 2018 season Missed final 9 games of 2017 |
| Oct. 2023 |
 CLE |
Right rotator cuff injury | Oct. 2023 Missed multiple games; aggravated it in a Week 7 return |
| Nov. 2023 |
CLE |
Displaced glenoid fracture (right shoulder) | 2024 season Season-ending surgery |
| Oct. 2024 |
CLE |
Torn right Achilles | Did not return in 2024 Missed final 10 games |
| Jan. 2025 |
CLE |
Achilles re-rupture | Week 1, 2026 Missed all of 2025 |
| Nov. 3, 2026 |
CLE |
Concussion (Week 8 vs. PIT) | TBD In concussion protocol |
Who will start at QB if Deshaun Watson is OUT in Week 9?
If Watson can't clear concussion protocol, expect Sanders to get the start. He started Cleveland's final seven games as a rookie last season but struggled mightily, completing just 56.6% of his passes while posting a 68.1 passer rating and a 7:10 TD-to-INT ratio.
The good news for Sanders and the Browns is that they'll be facing a spiraling Saints team that's 2-5 overall, 0-4 at home, and has been outscored 44-6 in the first quarter this season.
Deshaun Watson injury: Odds impact
Following the concussion news, the Browns moved to 3-point road underdogs and currently carry a 39% implied win probability at Kalshi.
Whether it's Watson or Sanders under center, our Covers prop projections expect tight end Harold Fannin Jr. to remain a top option in Cleveland's offense.
We project Fannin for 52.3 receiving yards, comfortably above his 43.5-yard line, with a 24.3% expected value on the Over.
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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