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According to an official statement from the organization, Watson alerted the team's medical staff on Tuesday morning that he was experiencing symptoms consistent with a concussion. This development follows a physical encounter during last Sunday's defeat to the Pittsburgh Steelers, where Watson sustained a helmet-to-helmet hit from safety Jaquan Brisker during the opening possession.
Medical Evaluation and Potential Replacements
The timeline of Watson's medical assessment indicates that he was briefly sidelined for three plays during the Pittsburgh game to undergo a concussion evaluation. At that time, he was examined by an unaffiliated neurotrauma consultant and was subsequently cleared to return to the field. Following the conclusion of the match, team medical staff performed further evaluations on Sunday and again on Monday, during which Watson reportedly did not display any symptoms before his report on Tuesday.
As the Browns navigate this uncertainty, the team must consider its options at the quarterback position. Should Watson fail to clear the league's mandatory concussion protocol before Sunday's kickoff,
The Browns' roster also includes other depth options, with Dillon Gabriel having recently returned from injured reserve to serve as the emergency quarterback during the Week 8 contest. Rookie Taylen Green remains on the active roster as well. Cleveland currently holds a 5-3 record, placing them third in the AFC North and one game behind the division-leading Steelers. Watson has started every game for the Browns this season, recording 1,806 passing yards, seven touchdowns, and three interceptions while maintaining a 65.5% completion rate.
