Brisker Flagged for Hit on Watson

Steelers safety Jaquan Brisker was penalized for a helmet-to-helmet contact with Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson during Sunday's AFC North game.

Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Football

Pittsburgh Steelers safety Jaquan Brisker was flagged for a foul after colliding with Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson on an incomplete pass during Sunday's game at Acrisure Stadium. Watson was checked for a concussion in the blue medical tent and returned to the game minutes later.

Why it matters

The flag adds to an ongoing debate over player safety rules and how officials police hits on quarterbacks. Brisker has publicly questioned the call and the league's approach to protecting Watson.

The penalty was called under NFL Rule 12, Article 10(a), which defines a foul for lowering the head and making forcible helmet contact. Watson finished with 324 yards on 27 of 39 passing, while Pittsburgh sacked him eight times.

The players

Jaquan Brisker

Brisker is a Pittsburgh Steelers safety whose hit on Watson drew the flag and prompted his public criticism of the NFL's call.

Deshaun Watson

Watson is the Cleveland Browns quarterback who was checked for a concussion after the collision and returned to play.

Jared Verse

Verse is a Cleveland Browns defensive end who accused the Steelers of playing dirty after Cleveland's previous win over Pittsburgh.

The details

Brisker closed in on Watson after the quarterback had already released a short right pass to KC Concepcion, making contact with his chest and helmet on the play. Browns defensive end Jared Verse, who had no tackles in the game, accused the Steelers of playing dirty after a Cleveland home win last month.

Last month: Cleveland beat Pittsburgh at home, and Verse later accused the Steelers of dirty play.
Sunday: Brisker was flagged for the hit on Watson during the AFC North game at Acrisure Stadium.

Rule Context

The flag falls under Article 10(a) of Rule 12, the NFL provision that has repeatedly drawn scrutiny over how officials distinguish legal tackles from penalized helmet contact. Brisker's criticism places this call within the league's continuing effort to protect quarterbacks while defining the limits of contact for defenders.

The penalty moves the Steelers defense toward more caution on quarterback contact, which matters for fantasy and betting lineups that count on Pittsburgh's pass rush. Watson's return after a concussion check means his availability in upcoming Browns games is not affected by this flag.

The takeaway

Quarterback-protection penalties like this one often turn on split-second judgments about when a hit becomes illegal, so fans tracking the rule should watch how officials apply it in coming games.