Should Cleveland Browns Be Worried About QB Deshaun Watson’s Injury?
Browns faced Baltimore on Sunday without quarterback Deshaun Watson, who is sidelined with a right shoulder injury and were defeated 28-3.
Should Cleveland Browns Be Worried About QB Deshaun Watson’s Injury?
With Watson’s injury – and there are still uncertainties about what’s wrong – and Garrett dealing with a left foot problem, on top of starting centre Ethan Pocic nursing knee and chest problems, it’s a good time for the Browns to rest.
“It’s an early bye, but I think it comes at the right time,” linebacker Anthony Walker Jr. explained. “It comes at a time where we really needed to just reset, refocus.”
The Browns and Deshaun Watson meeting after his warmup. pic.twitter.com/Q9O1qhz8qr
— Shawn Dunagan 🎗️ (@shawndunagan) October 1, 2023
Deshaun Watson, the franchise quarterback for the Cleveland Browns, suffered a right arm injury during practice. Watson was designated as restricted on the Browns’ official practice report due to a right shoulder issue.
It’s worth noting that this is the first time the former Pro Bowler has rested his throwing arm this season. Rather of using his shoulder, he did mental reps behind Dorian Thompson-Robinson at practice on Wednesday.
Kevin Stefanski hasn't disclosed much of anything about injuries in his 4 years in Cleveland, but he made sure to let everyone know Deshaun Watson was medically cleared to play.
Something is off. pic.twitter.com/zI72lQICaJ
— Nick Karns (@karnsies817) October 2, 2023
It’s not easy to throw 102 passes in three NFL games, so it’s understandable that he could need a break. Veterans take these breaks all the time and wasn’t a problem until the QB Couldn’t play against the Ravens in week 4.
However, general manager Andrew Berry told reporters on Wednesday that he is “optimistic” the problem will be resolved soon. He also backed the team’s choice to trade backup Josh Dobbs before to the start of the season, calling it “the right move for the organization.”
𝗥𝗘𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧:
Some of the #Browns players were "aggravated" that QB Deshaun Watson did not play on Sunday.Watson told his teammates all week that he would play and at 10:30 on game-day decided he couldn't go.
The #Browns ended up playing a 5th round rookie and lost badly. pic.twitter.com/F0MgOiNFgv
— NFL Notifications (@NFLNotify) October 4, 2023
“We were optimistic (Deshaun) would play,” Berry said of Watson’s absence last Sunday, per Cleveland.com. “He was optimistic that he would play. He worked his tail off during the week to rehab and be ready to go. When we got out on Sunday and when we took him through the pregame warmup, it became obvious to all of us that he couldn’t throw or drive the ball well enough to perform in the game. He just wasn’t at a level where we felt comfortable that he could ultimately perform the duties of his position.”
#Browns GM Andrew Berry explains the decision for Deshaun Watson to rest his shoulder vs #Ravens Sunday pic.twitter.com/c0oVobx6Ci
— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) October 4, 2023
Cleveland had little chance against Baltimore, as rookie backup Dorian Thompson-Robinson’s performance confirmed that the exhibition season is nothing more than a series of drill games designed to break up the monotony of training camp.
While Watson’s injury may not be catastrophic, it may affect how the Browns employ him in the future. Watson’s ability to run is part of what makes him such a danger, and Stefanski and coordinator Alex Van Pelt may have to make some changes to the plan.
Kevin Stefanski: Deshaun Watson was cleared but decided not to play; @RealSkipBayless reacts:
"In all my time of covering the game, I've never seen a coach declaring that it's all on the player." pic.twitter.com/aKrG6Eqb7J
— UNDISPUTED (@undisputed) October 3, 2023
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