Browns place Deshaun Watson in concussion protocol, unclear if Shedeur Sanders will start Week 9

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson has been placed in concussion protocol, the team announced on Wednesday .

According to the Browns, Watson took a helmet-to-helmet hit during the first quarter of Sunday's loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. The concussion spotter notified the sideline to have the quarterback evaluated. The Unaffiliated Neurotrauma Consultant cleared Watson to return to the game after he missed four snaps.

As part of protocol, Watson was evaluated again after the game, as well as on Monday morning. The Browns say he showed no symptoms and was cleared. But on Tuesday morning he told the team's medical staff that he started experiencing concussion symptoms and was placed into concussion protocol.

Watson threw for 324 yards in the 27-6 loss to the Steelers, but was also sacked eight times. He leads all NFL quarterbacks having been sacked 33 times this season.

There currently is no timeline for a return. The Browns play the New Orleans Saints on Sunday and if Watson cannot play, Shedeur Sanders would likely get the start.

Sanders, who has not started a game since Week 18 last season, made his second appearance of the season coming in briefly for Watson against the Steelers. He went 2-for-2 with 2 passing yards before being replaced. He previously entered in Week 3 and threw one pass for a completion against the Carolina Panthers.