Why it took Deshaun Watson so long to enter concussion protocol

Why it took Deshaun Watson so long to enter concussion protocol originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here . The Browns announced a major quarterback update on Wednesday, revealing that Deshaun Watson is in the concussion protocol just four days before the team's Week 9 game against the Saints . Watson returned to Sunday's game against the Steelers after taking a hit to the head, which raised a few eyebrows after the announcement on Wednesday, but the Browns released a lengthy explanation for the timing of the move. While Watson wasn't formally ruled out by Cleveland, coach Todd Monken acknowledged that it's more likely Shedeur Sanders will start given the tight turnaround. Here's what you need to know about the timing of Watson's placement in the concussion protocol. MORE: Why Cowboys should - and shouldn't - trade George Pickens Why it took so long for Deshaun Watson to enter concussion protocol The timing of Watson's placement into the concussion protocol raised some eyebrows on Wednesday, as the announcement came three days after he took this hit to the head from Pittsburgh's Jaquan Brisker: The Browns explained that Watson was evaluated and cleared by the Unaffiliated Neurotrauma Consultant on site at Sunday's game, adding that the team's medical staff evaluated him Sunday night and Monday morning without issue. Watson then reported symptoms Tuesday morning and was "immediately" placed into concussion protocol, the Browns said. The team didn't announce the decision until Wednesday morning. It's not the first time a player has reported symptoms days after being cleared to return to a game. Tua Tagovailoa's final concussion of 2022 was only diagnosed the day after he played a full game against the Packers because he didn't show any signs or symptoms until that point. Unless the NFL finds a step was skipped along the way, the Browns and the unaffiliated doctor on site who evaluated Watson appear to have followed the league's rules for head injuries despite the unusual timing. MORE: NFL midseason report, from the wildest to the wackiest Will Deshaun Watson play vs. Saints? Browns coach Todd Monken said Wednesday that it will be difficult for Watson to start this weekend because of the tight turnaround, indicating Shedeur Sanders is expected to start against the Saints. Monken did say that Watson "felt a lot better" on Wednesday and was participating in meetings, but he wasn't able to practice. If Watson is indeed out, it will be Sanders' first start of the season. MORE NFL: Updated power rankings for Week 9 SN's midseason All-Pro team Has Lamar Jackson played his last game as a Raven?