The Cleveland Browns placed Deshaun Watson in concussion protocol a few days after their Week 8 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, as the quarterback presented symptoms of a concussion.

That instantly put his Week 9 status in doubt, as clearing concussion protocol in time for their Sunday matchup against the New Orleans Saints was not a guarantee. However, on Saturday, things took a very interesting turn.

According to Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com, Watson cleared concussion protocol and could be active for Sunday's game. So, what does this mean for Shedeur Sanders, who was named the starter? Well, he's still QB1 in Week 9, and for good reason.

Deshaun Watson clears concussion protocol, but Shedeur Sanders is still starting

"Browns Deshaun Watson has been cleared from the concussion protocol and remains questionable for the Saints game," Cabot reports. "Shedeur Sanders will start the game. Watson will make the trip. Details to come soon."

This is some good news for the Browns, seeing Watson clear concussion protocol so quickly. But he is still questionable for Week 9, and he might not be active.

Dillon Gabriel would be the team's backup for Sanders if that is the case. But even if Watson were active on Sunday, he is not going to start for the Browns.

Todd Monken named Sanders as the starter earlier in the week, and making a change back to Watson now might throw their offensive plans for a loop.

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With Sanders taking the first-team reps Wednesday and Thursday with no sign of Watson, the veteran QB only had one day of practice before they face off against the Saints.

Cleveland could roll with Watson, as he has plenty of reps with the first-team offense already this season. But with Sanders already being named the starter, the Browns aren't going to make another QB change on Saturday or Sunday.

Watson will likely take over the QB position again in Week 10, barring Sanders having an incredible performance that gives Monken some pause.

Sanders will remain the starter, even if Watson is active, as he was the QB named the Week 9 starter already, and is the player who got the most reps in practice.

So while Watson clearing protocol makes for an interesting situation, there shouldn't be any drama about who the team's starter will be this weekend. It's Sanders' job this week.

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