Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson has entered the NFL's concussion protocol, the team announced, CBS Sports and ProFootballRumors report.

Watson informed the team's medical staff on Tuesday morning that he began having symptoms on Monday night, ProFootballRumors reports. CBS Sports says the Browns put him in the protocol right away once he reported them.

Watson took a helmet-to-helmet hit from Jaquan Brisker during Sunday's 27-6 loss at Pittsburgh, CBS Sports reports. The hit was flagged. A spotter called for Watson to be checked, and Sanders came in briefly before Watson returned, CBS Sports says.

Watson passed a concussion check after the game and again on Monday morning, CBS Sports reports. He finished the loss with 324 passing yards, eight sacks and no touchdowns.

He will have to clear the protocol by Saturday to play this week, ProFootballRumors reports. The Browns play the Saints in New Orleans on Sunday.

If Watson cannot play, the Browns would likely turn to second-year pro Shedeur Sanders, CBS Sports reports. ProFootballRumors says Sanders would make his first start of the season and the eighth of his career.

Sanders, 24, has played only five snaps in two games this year, CBS Sports reports. He started seven games last season. Sanders lost the starting job to Watson in the summer, ProFootballRumors reports.

The game is important for Cleveland, which is 5-3, CBS Sports reports. Dillon Gabriel and Taylen Green are the team's other healthy quarterbacks, ProFootballRumors says.

What we know: Watson is in the protocol and must clear it by Saturday to face the Saints.
What we don't: Whether Watson will be cleared, and whether the Browns will name Sanders the starter.