Deshaun Watson was cleared three times after Sunday's hit in Pittsburgh before entering concussion protocol Tuesday morning. Shedeur Sanders is now set to take Wednesday's first-team practice reps, Scott Petrak reported.

Watson was expected to miss practice, and Todd Monken had not ruled him out for Sunday, Jared Mueller reported before Wednesday's session.

Three clearances before symptoms

Watson took a first-quarter helmet-to-helmet hit against Pittsburgh. An ATC spotter alerted the sideline, and an unaffiliated neurotrauma consultant evaluated and cleared him. He returned for Cleveland's next offensive series.

He was evaluated and cleared again after the game and Monday morning, with no symptoms reported during either check.

On Monday, November 2, Monken was asked about new health concerns from the game and replied, "Not as of now. All those guys came back yesterday."

Watson's symptoms began later that night, after both his Monday-morning evaluation and Monken's remarks. He reported the symptoms Tuesday morning.

Sanders' start depends on clearance

Sanders replaced Watson for four plays in Pittsburgh, completing both passes for 2 yards.

Monken's Monday assessment noted the backup's limited practice opportunities, with some work on the look squad. He also praised Sanders' composure: "I think he's always composed. I think he did fine."

Sanders' first assignment was a screen against a T.J. Watt blitz off the boundary. Monken said he needed to throw the ball into the ground rather than try to get it downfield.

If Watson cannot clear protocol in time, Sanders would make his first start of the season for Cleveland against New Orleans.

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