The Browns placed Deshaun Watson in the NFL's concussion protocol Wednesday, clouding his availability for Sunday's Week 9 matchup against the Saints — and potentially handing Shedeur Sanders his first start of the season.

The timeline is the unsettling part. Watson took a helmet-to-helmet hit in the first quarter of Sunday's loss to the Steelers and cleared evaluation that day, per CBS Sports. But symptoms surfaced Monday night, prompting the team's announcement two days later.

To return, Watson must clear the five-step protocol spelled out by the NFL and NFLPA — a symptom-driven process with no fixed timetable, which is why the Browns have offered no clarity on his status for New Orleans. ESPN reported the team has left his availability an open question.

That puts the spotlight on Sanders. The Sporting News reported the rookie is in line to make his first start of the year if Watson can't go, though other outlets characterized the QB plan as unsettled. Either way, the Browns have a short week of answers to find: Watson's recovery is out of their hands, and the Saints arrive Sunday regardless.