Browns' Deshaun Watson Clears Concussion Protocol, Updated Game Status with Shedeur Set as QB1

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson has cleared concussion protocol ahead of Shedeur Sanders' first start of the season Sunday at the New Orleans Saints, the team announced Saturday.

Watson remains questionable ahead of Sunday's 1 p.m. ET kickoff, according to the Browns.

Browns head coach Todd Monken announced Friday Sanders would start against the Saints. Dillon Gabriel is on track to serve as Sanders' backup if Watson is ruled out ahead of the game.

The Browns announced Wednesday that Watson had been placed in concussion protocol after experiencing symptoms the day after taking a helmet-to-helmet hit in last Sunday's loss at the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Monken said Friday the decision to name Sanders starter was made in part because Watson, even if cleared by Sunday, had been unable to practice in the days leading up to the game.

NFL regulations dictate players in concussion protocol can't return to contact practices until they are cleared for participation by both a club physician and an independent consultant.

"He's still not able to do any team reps," Monken said Friday about Watson. "He can do individual, he can do some routes. Been in meetings, but you're notable to do any of the team reps, which makes it difficult."

The Browns have a recent history of players passing concussion protocol within a week of placement in the process. Cleveland reinstated KC Concepcion , Grant Delpit and Tytus Howard on similar timelines earlier this season.

Monken said Friday he hadn't yet decided if Watson would be backing up Sanders even if he cleared protocol by this weekend.

He also said he felt Sanders had benefitted from the experience he gained while competing with Watson for the QB1 job this summer.

"I liked his confidence. Liked the way he operated. Looked very comfortable in terms of getting our guys in and out of the huddle... and I thought he threw the ball extremely well," Monken said about Sanders in practice this week.

"I do think there is positives to the amount of reps he got during the fall... if a player is diligent, like he's been, you expect there to be some carryover."

ESPN and NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported Friday he didn't feel Watson's job was "in jeopardy" based on Sanders' performance.

Given that Watson is on expiring contract while Sanders is in the second year of his rookie deal, however, whether Sanders is able to help the Browns fight for the top of the AFC North could potentially impact the quarterback's future with the team.