Tag: Deshaun Watson

Nov 12, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) throws on the run during the second halfagainst the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Browns QB Deshaun Watson to undergo season-ending shoulder surgery

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The Cleveland Browns ruled out quarterback Deshaun Watson for the remainder of the season on Wednesday morning after an MRI revealed he needs to undergo surgery on his right (throwing) shoulder.

Watson underwent testing after he was injured during Cleveland’s 33-31 victory over the Baltimore Ravens this past Sunday. He was diagnosed with a left high ankle sprain in addition to a displaced fracture in his shoulder.

“Despite performing at a high level and finishing the game, after consultation with Browns’ Head Physician, James Voos, MD, and industry-leading shoulder specialist, Neal ElAttrache, MD, it has been determined that this injury will require immediate surgical repair to avoid further structural damage,” the Browns said in a statement Wednesday. “Deshaun will be placed on season-ending injured reserve and a full recovery is expected for the start of the 2024 season.”

The news comes one day after the Browns announced running back Nick Chubb underwent a second surgery in September to repair torn ligaments in his right knee. His timeline is less certain. The Browns framing on Tuesday was “estimated recovery time from these surgeries indicates that Nick would be able to return to play during the 2024 season.”

Per NFL Network, Watson visited multiple doctors and wanted to play through the injury. He was advised, however, that the shoulder could “fall apart” if he were to be hit in the same spot.

Watson is expected to make a full recovery for the start of the 2024 season, the team announced.

P.J. Walker likely will be under center when the Browns (6-3) host the Pittsburgh Steelers (6-3) in another big AFC North match this Sunday. Both teams have won two straight and are chasing the Ravens (7-3).

Watson completed 20 of 34 passes with one interception and rushed eight times for 37 yards against Baltimore. Trailing 31-17 in the fourth quarter, his 10-yard touchdown pass to Elijah Moore ignited a comeback capped by a 40-yard walk-off field goal from Dustin Hopkins.

Watson, 28, has completed 61.4 percent of his passes for 1,115 yards with seven touchdowns and four interceptions in six games this season.

–Field Level Media

Nov 12, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) runs with the ball as Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Justin Madubuike (92) defends during the second half at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jessica Rapfogel-USA TODAY Sports

Browns QB Deshaun Watson having MRI on ankle

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson will have an MRI on his left ankle Monday, coach Kevin Stefanski confirmed.

Watson was wearing a walking boot after Sunday’s 33-31 victory at Baltimore but said he did not expect to miss any time.

“I’ll be fine,” he said after throwing for 213 yards and a touchdown against the Ravens. “Right now I’m not feeling well, but I’ll be fine. I’ll be ready to go.”

Watson, 28, was injured when his leg got rolled up on by Ravens defensive end Jadeveon Clowney near the end of the second quarter. Backup P.J. Walker went in for the last play of the first half.

The Browns (6-3) will host the Pittsburgh Steelers (6-3) in another big AFC North match this Sunday. Both teams have won two straight and are chasing the Ravens (7-3).

Watson completed 20 of 34 passes with one interception and rushed eight times for 37 yards against Baltimore. Trailing 31-17 in the fourth quarter, his 10-yard touchdown pass to Elijah Moore ignited a comeback capped by a 40-yard walk-off field goal from Dustin Hopkins.

–Field Level Media

Oct 1, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) walks off the field after warm ups before the game between the Browns and the Baltimore Ravens at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

Browns QB Deshaun Watson, RB Kareem Hunt active vs. Colts

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Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson is listed as active and in line to start Sunday’s game against the host Indianapolis Colts.

Watson was listed as questionable for the contest after missing the previous two games with a right shoulder injury.

Watson has thrown for 678 yards and four touchdowns against two interceptions in three games this season while getting sacked 12 times.

Running back Kareem Hunt, who was questionable with a thigh injury, also is active for the Browns (3-2). He has 72 yards and a touchdown on 22 carries over three games (one starts) this season.

While Watson and Hunt are active, the Browns listed the following as inactive: cornerback Kahlef Hailassie, safety Ronnie Hickman, defensive linemen Siaki Ika and Isaiah McGuire, linebacker Sione Takitaki, quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson and wide receiver Cedric Tillman.

As for the Colts (3-3), they listed offensive lineman Ike Boettger, tight end Kylen Granson, defensive lineman Isaiah Land, tackle Braden Smith and cornerback Ameer Speed as inactive.

–Field Level Media

Oct 1, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) watches from the sidelines during the first half against the Baltimore Ravens at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

Browns QB Deshaun Watson questionable vs. Colts

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson received all the first-team reps during the portion of Friday’s practice open to the media and was listed as questionable to play against the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday.

Watson was wearing a harness on his shoulder and a compression sleeve on his right arm Friday. He has not played since bruising the rotator cuff in his right (throwing) shoulder in Week 3.

Coach Kevin Stefanski said he wants to see how Watson responds to the workload from Friday’s practice.

Watson, running back Kareem Hunt (thigh), cornerback Greg Newsome II (hamstring) and tight end Harrison Bryant (hip) are questionable for Sunday’s game and linebacker Sione Takitaki (hamstring) is out, per Stefanski.

PJ Walker, 28, would get the nod against the Colts if Watson is unable to play on Sunday. Walker completed 18 of 34 passes for 192 yards with two interceptions in Cleveland’s 19-17 upset victory over the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday.

Watson, 28, has thrown for 678 yards and four touchdowns against two interceptions in three games this season while getting sacked 12 times.

–Field Level Media

Sep 18, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) prepares for a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports

Browns QB Deshaun Watson returns to practice

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Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson returned to practice on Thursday.

He has not played since bruising the rotator cuff in his right (throwing) shoulder in Week 3. He hasn’t had a full practice since Sept. 22.

Offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt and wide receiver Amari Cooper confirmed Watson’s participation on Thursday after he was held out of Wednesday’s first practice of the week.

Watson’s status for Sunday’s game at Indianapolis remains uncertain.

Coming off a win against the previously unbeaten San Francisco 49ers, PJ Walker would again start under center for the Browns (3-2) against the Colts (3-3) if Watson is not ready to return.

Watson has said he first sustained the injury in Week 3 against Tennessee on Sept. 24. Watson insisted that he would play in Week 4 against Baltimore before a “collective decision,” according to the team, sidelined him for that game.

The Browns had a bye in Week 5.

Watson, 28, has thrown for 678 yards and four touchdowns against two interceptions in three games this season while getting sacked 12 times.

–Field Level Media

Oct 1, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) watches from the sidelines during the first half against the Baltimore Ravens at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

Browns QB Deshaun Watson (shoulder) misses practice

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson didn’t practice Wednesday, saying his status for this week is “up in the air,” the latest twist in the soap-opera style saga of the signal-caller’s injured shoulder.

“It just depends on the process of the medical stuff and the treatment and the rehab that we’re doing day to day. It’s up in the air for sure,” Watson told reporters.

This after dueling weekend reports that said Watson either could return this week to play against the Indianapolis Colts or could miss more than a month with a deep contusion to his rotator cuff. Head coach Kevin Stefanski said Monday the team was optimistic that Watson would practice this week.

But then Watson let fly Wednesday that an MRI revealed a “microtear” in the rotator cuff muscle.

“We just gotta continue to take it day-to-day,” Watson said. “I’m not gonna put the team in jeopardy if I can’t do certain things that is gonna allow us to be handicapped in certain situations. That’s the reason why I haven’t been able to step on the field.

“It’s a tricky deal,” he said. “You gotta kind of take that baseball approach and talk to some people that deals with rotator cuffs more often.”

Watson first sustained the injury in Week 3 vs. Tennessee on Sept. 24, he said. Then, Watson insisted that he would play in Week 4 against Baltimore before a “collective decision,” according to the team, sidelined him for that game. Amid all of that, Stefanski said Watson had been medically cleared to play.

The Browns then had a bye in Week 5.

Last Sunday, PJ Walker started and led Cleveland to a win over previously unbeaten San Francisco. Walker would get the start in Indianapolis if Watson can’t play.

“It could be tomorrow, it could be Sunday, it could be two weeks from now. I’m not even sure,” Watson said. “I can’t put a timeline on anything right now.”

Watson, 28, has thrown for 678 yards and four touchdowns against two interceptions in three games this season, getting sacked 12 times.

–Field Level Media

Oct 1, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) watches from the sidelines during the first half against the Baltimore Ravens at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Deshaun Watson (shoulder) could return next week

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (shoulder) could be ready to return next week against the Indianapolis Colts, ESPN reported Saturday.

Watson, who is dealing with a deep contusion in his rotator cuff, was ruled out for Sunday’s game against the San Francisco 49ers. It will mark his second straight game missed.

The ESPN report runs in stark contrast to other reports, including Cleveland.com, that say Watson could miss multiple games even more than a month.

“He’s making progress,” Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said Friday. “He’s getting better. He’s very disappointed. He wants to play. He wants to be able to compete with his teammates, so he’s just got to focus on getting better every day.”

P.J. Walker is set to get the start Sunday after rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson struggled in place of Watson on Oct. 1 during a 28-3 setback against the Baltimore Ravens.

Watson had insisted that he would play in Week 4 against Baltimore before a “collective decision,” according to the team, sidelined him for that game. Amid all of that, Stefanski said Watson had been medically cleared to play.

The Browns then had a bye week last week.

Watson has thrown for 678 yards and four touchdowns against two interceptions in three games this season, getting sacked 12 times.

–Field Level Media

Oct 1, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) watches from the sidelines during the first half against the Baltimore Ravens at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

Browns QB Deshaun Watson out, P.J. Walker to start vs. 49ers

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson will sit out his second straight game this weekend due to a right shoulder injury, the team announced Friday.

P.J. Walker will be under center this Sunday when the Browns (2-2) host the San Francisco 49ers (5-0). Rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson struggled in place of Watson on Oct. 1, completing just 19 of 36 passes for 121 yards with three interceptions in a 28-3 setback to the Baltimore Ravens.

Watson, 28, reportedly is dealing with a contusion to his rotator cuff in his right shoulder after being sacked 12 times in three games this season. He didn’t practice Wednesday and Thursday and reportedly could miss more than a month.

Walker will face off against 49ers defensive coordinator Steve Wilks, who was the Panthers’ defensive coordinator and then interim coach during Walker’s three seasons at Carolina. Walker was benched after Wilks briefly gave him a chance to start in 2022.

Walker, 28, joined the Browns’ practice squad on Aug. 30.

He played 15 games, including seven starts, for the Panthers from 2020-22. He completed 131 of 228 pasattempts (57.5 percent) for 1,461 yards, five touchdowns, 11 interceptions and a 63.9 passer rating.

–Field Level Media

Oct 1, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) walks off the field after warm ups before the game between the Browns and the Baltimore Ravens at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Browns QB Deshaun Watson (shoulder) out vs. 49ers

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Following a Week 5 bye after missing Week 4 with a right shoulder injury, Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson won’t suit up Sunday against the visiting San Francisco 49ers, according to a CBS Sports report.

Watson, who is reportedly dealing with a contusion to his rotator cuff in his right shoulder, didn’t practice Wednesday and Thursday and reportedly could miss more than a month. Injured in a Week 3 win over the Tennessee Titans, he was sacked 12 times in three games.

During the bye week, Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski shuffled the depth chart to move PJ Walker ahead of rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson.

The undefeated 49ers (5-0) have scored 30-plus points in every game this season. The Browns (2-2) have allowed only 60 points this season.

If Walker starts, the former XFL standout would face off against 49ers defensive coordinator Steve Wilks, who was the Panthers’ defensive coordinator and then interim coach during Walker’s three seasons at Carolina. Walker was benched after Wilks briefly gave him a chance to start in 2022.

Cleveland lost at Baltimore, 28-3, prior to last week’s bye with rookie fifth-round pick Thompson-Robinson replacing Watson in the lineup.

–Field Level Media

Sep 18, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) prepares for a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports

Browns QB Deshaun Watson day-to-day with 49ers ahead

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson did not practice Monday as he continues to recover from a right shoulder injury, with head coach Kevin Stefanski considering Watson’s status day-to-day.

Watson did not play in the Browns’ 28-3 defeat to the Baltimore Ravens in Week 4, with the team returning to practice Monday after its bye week.

“He’s doing everything within his power, working around the clock with rehab,” Stefanski said of Watson. “He’s doing what he is being told to do in terms of his rehab process.”

Watson, 28, has been medically cleared with his shoulder injury, according to reports, but Stefanski wants his quarterback to be “functionally” ready before returning to the field. The Browns have a formidable challenge ahead with a home game against the undefeated San Francisco 49ers this week.

Rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson started for the Browns in Week 4 but struggled with 121 yards passing and three interceptions, while getting sacked four times.

Watson had four touchdown passes, two interceptions and two fumbles lost while guiding Cleveland to a pair of victories over the first three games.

In six NFL seasons, the first four with the Houston Texans, Watson has averaged 226.0 yards passing per game with 115 touchdowns and 43 interceptions.

–Field Level Media