Tag: Watson

Cleveland Browns quarterback Jameis Winston (5) attempts a pass during the second half of an NFL football game at Huntington Bank Field, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024, in Cleveland, Ohio.

Report: Browns to start QB Jameis Winston vs. Ravens

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The Cleveland Browns are counting on Jameis Winston to start at quarterback at home on Sunday against the Baltimore Ravens, The Athletic reported Wednesday.

He will replace Deshaun Watson, who ruptured his right Achilles tendon when he appeared to hyperextend his leg on a non-contact play last Sunday in the team’s 21-14 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals.

The Browns were 1-6 under Watson.

After the injury, the Browns turned to second-year quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson, and he suffered a finger injury in the fourth quarter.

With Watson out for the season and Thompson-Robinson’s availability uncertain, the Browns signed Bailey Zappe off the Kansas City Chiefs’ practice squad on Tuesday.

Winston, 30, was the No. 1 overall pick of the 2015 NFL Draft by the Buccaneers. After starting the first five seasons for Tampa Bay, he spent four seasons in a backup role with the New Orleans Saints before signing a one-year deal with the Browns.

He’ll be an unrestricted free agent after this season.

Winston has appeared in 98 games (80 starts) with a 34-46-0 record as a starter. He has a career 61.1 percent completion percentage, throwing for 22,187 yards with 142 TDs and 99 interceptions.

Against the AFC North-leading Ravens (5-2), Winston will become the 39th starting quarterback for the Browns since their return to Cleveland in 1999, when No. 1 overall draft pick Tim Couch manned the position.

–Field Level Media

Sep 15, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Bailey Zappe (19) arrives prior to a game against the Cincinnati Bengals at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

Browns zap QB Bailey Zappe from KC practice squad

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Bailey Zappe was added to a convoluted quarterback picture in Cleveland on Tuesday as the Browns chart a course on offense without Deshaun Watson.

The Browns signed Zappe off of the Kansas City Chiefs’ practice squad and he’s the only quarterback in the rearranged quarterback room in Cleveland who is thought to be fully healthy.

Zappe made eight career starts with the New England Patriots, including a win over the Browns in Cleveland in 2022 when he passed for a career-high 309 yards and had two TD passes. He was a fourth-round pick in 2022 and has 11 touchdowns, 12 interceptions in 14 appearances.

Watson is out for the season due to a season-ending Achilles injury suffered last week against Cincinnati. Dorian Thompson-Robinson replaced Watson last week but exited with a finger injury. Jameis Winston would become the starter if Thompson-Robinson is unavailable with Zappe as the backup. Thompson-Robinson was 11 of 24 with two interceptions before leaving the game.

Winston entered the game on the final drive of the Week 7 loss to the Bengals with just under four minutes remaining. He threw an 8-yard touchdown pass to tight end David Njoku with 1:27 remaining, then connected with Cedric Tillman for the two-point conversion.

Winston was the No. 3 quarterback last week for the first time after serving as Watson’s backup for the first six weeks of the regular season.

–Field Level Media

Oct 7, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (9) celebrates after a run against the New Orleans Saints during the second half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images

Chiefs rule out JuJu Smith-Schuster, Jaylen Watson for Week 8

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The Kansas City Chiefs already have ruled out wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster for their Week 8 game due to a hamstring injury.

Coach Andy Reid also ruled out starting cornerback Jaylen Watson on Monday. Watson, 26, reportedly suffered a fractured ankle and could be done for the season.

Smith-Schuster, 27, left Sunday’s 28-18 win over the San Francisco 49ers in the first quarter after aggravating the hamstring he first injured Thursday in practice. He was not targeted prior to exiting.

Smith-Schuster has nine catches for 147 yards and a touchdown in six games (three starts) this season.

Watson was on crutches and wearing a cast after the game. He was having tests Monday to determine the severity of the injury and whether he could return this season.

Watson has recorded six passes defensed and 32 tackles through six starts.

The Chiefs (6-0) visit the Las Vegas Raiders (2-5) on Sunday.

–Field Level Media

Oct 20, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins (98) tackles Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) during the first half at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

Bengals beat rival Browns, who lose QB Watson to Achilles injury

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Charlie Jones took the game’s opening kickoff 100 yards to the end zone and the Cincinnati Bengals never looked back, picking up a 21-14 win over the host Cleveland Browns on Sunday afternoon.

Cleveland (1-6) entered the contest on a four-game losing streak but had reason to be optimistic, as star running back Nick Chubb was active for the first time since sustaining a season-ending knee injury in Week 2 of last season.

However, things quickly took a turn for the worse for the Browns, who watched quarterback Deshaun Watson get carted off the field with 1:22 left in the second quarter because of a non-contact Achilles injury.

Watson, who was visibly emotional as he was taken off the field, completed 15 of 17 passes for 128 yards prior to exiting. Dorian Thompson-Robinson took over under center and totaled 82 yards and two picks on 11-for-24 passing.

Joe Burrow hit on 15 of 25 passes for 181 yards and two touchdowns as Cincinnati (3-4) won for the third time in four games. Tee Higgins hauled in four receptions for 82 yards and a score.

Chubb, who had 22 yards on 11 carries, rushed for a 1-yard TD with 56 seconds left in the second quarter, but Dustin Hopkins missed the ensuing extra-point attempt to prevent Cleveland from tying the game at 7.

The Bengals proceeded to run away with the game in the third quarter thanks to Burrow.

Ja’Marr Chase grabbed an 18-yard touchdown to give Cincinnati a 14-6 lead with 7:56 to go in the frame before Higgins was on the receiving end of a 25-yard scoring strike with 1:30 remaining.

The Bengals’ defense forced a turnover on downs to set up Chase’s TD.

Playing in relief of Thompson-Robinson, Jameis Winston found David Njoku for an 8-yard touchdown with 1:27 left in the game. Winston also completed a two-point conversion pass, but Cleveland couldn’t recover an onside kick on the following play.

Njoku had 10 catches for 76 yards and the score.

After the early fireworks from Jones, Hopkins failed to cut the Browns’ deficit with 6:28 left in the first quarter, pushing a 49-yard field goal attempt wide left.

–Field Level Media

Oct 13, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) against the Philadelphia Eagles during the fourth quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

Kevin Stefanski denies owner override as Browns stick with Deshaun Watson

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No quarterback controversy exists in Cleveland, according to head coach Kevin Stefanski. He’s sticking with Deshaun Watson as QB1 of the Browns.

Cleveland is 1-5 after a 20-16 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, and Watson insisted postgame the Browns “have to do something” after he was sacked five times and held below 200 passing yards for the sixth consecutive game.

“I think Deshaun gives us the best chance to win, continues to give us the best chance to win,” Stefanski said Monday as calls for Watson to be benched for backup Jameis Winston grew louder.

Stefanski said Browns owner Jimmy Haslam remains supportive and didn’t meddle in any football decisions, including the call to keep Watson atop the quarterback depth chart to face the Cincinnati Bengals (2-4) this week.

Watson was 16 of 29 for 154 yards with a touchdown and an interception in the 2023 opener against the Bengals, won by Cleveland 24-3.

“We have a good dialogue with myself, (general manager) Andrew (Berry), ownership. Any decision when it comes to football is my decision,” Stefanski said.

Between injuries on the offensive line and lagging production, Watson isn’t solely to blame for the Browns’ poor start.

The Browns are 30th in scoring (15.8 points per game), 32nd in sacks allowed (31) and tied for a league-low two rushing touchdowns.

Watson is 28th in the NFL in completion percentage (61.3) and tied for 25th with five touchdown passes.

–Field Level Media

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson (9) is injured as he is tackled by Minnesota Vikings safety Josh Metellus (44) during their football game Sunday, September 29, 2024, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

Packers WR Christian Watson (ankle) could miss four games

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Packers wide receiver Christian Watson is a candidate for injured reserve because of a left ankle sprain, NFL Network reported Monday.

Watson was carted to the locker room during the first quarter of Green Bay’s loss to the Minnesota Vikings at Lambeau Field on Sunday and did not return to the game.

He has five catches for 80 yards this season and was replaced in the lineup on Sunday by Dontavyion Wicks. Wicks caught his team-leading third TD pass of the season against the Vikings and would get more time while Watson is recovering.

In the 31-29 loss, Watson was escorted to the sideline medical tent after he was tangled up with Vikings safety Josh Metellus while going for a challenged pass from quarterback Jordan Love. Watson and Metellus’ legs were tangled as they came to the ground and Watson landed awkwardly.

If Watson, 25, lands on injured reserve for the second consecutive season, he would be sidelined for the next four games. The Packers play the Los Angeles Rams, Arizona Cardinals, Houston Texans and Jacksonville Jaguars. Watson would be eligible to return Nov. 3 for a Week 9 game at Detroit with a bye week to follow.

The oft-injured Watson said he focused on a muscle and soft-tissue imbalance in his hamstrings and lower body during offseason training. He missed a total of 10 games in 2023 with hamstring injuries.

Wicks, a fifth-round pick out of Virginia in 2023, was targeted a team-high 13 times Sunday against the Vikings.

–Field Level Media

Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson talks with head coach Kevin Stefanski during an offseason workout.

Browns QB Deshaun Watson progresses to ‘full speed’ throws

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Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson shed the pitch count and progressed to throwing full speed passes in the latest tier of his rehab from season-ending shoulder surgery.

“Everything is full motion,” Watson said Tuesday after reporting for Cleveland’s offseason program. “Everything is fluid and motion is really good. The velocity and the strength is really good.”

Watson had surgery in November following a season-ending injury to his right shoulder during Cleveland’s 33-31 victory in Baltimore on Nov. 12. He landed on injured reserve as the Browns signed former first-round pick Joe Flacco from the couch to lead the team’s charge to the playoffs and a wild-card berth.

Acquired from the Houston Texans and signed to a fully guaranteed, five-year, $230 million contract in 2022, Watson has played 12 total games in his first two seasons with the Browns.

He has three years left on that contract and is determined to prove he’s the best man for the job in Cleveland. But Watson won’t be pushing to make any offseason statements at the risk of re-injury, a position head coach Kevin Stefanski said the franchise would take to preserve their QB1 this spring.

“This is an injury that, for spring, you want to be a little bit more conservative. This summer you get ready for training camp. That’s going to be a time where we can pick that up,” Watson said.

Watson, 28, completed 61.4 percent of his passes for 1,115 yards with seven touchdowns and four interceptions in six games in 2023.

A three-time Pro Bowl selection, Watson has thrown for 16,756 yards with 118 touchdowns and 45 interceptions in 66 career games with the Houston Texans (2017-20) and Browns.

–Field Level Media

Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson talks with head coach Kevin Stefanski after minicamp on Wednesday, June 15, 2022 in Canton. Browns Hof 4

QB Deshaun Watson remains Cleveland’s centerpiece

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Quarterback Deshaun Watson wraps up rehab on his surgically repaired shoulder before springtime and is on schedule to join the team at full strength for organized team activities.

“I’m confident he’ll be ready to roll this spring. He’s champing at the bit, but he’s doing everything he’s supposed to do when it comes to what the doctors are telling him and as he rehabs through this, but he’ll be ready to roll,” head coach Kevin Stefanski said.

Watson missed the late-season surge and wild-card playoff loss to the Houston Texans with the offense piloted by Joe Flacco. Flacco is unsigned for next season but Stefanski supports bringing the veteran back to the roster as Watson’s backup.

“I’d leave all those things up to obviously (GM) Andrew (Berry) in this offseason,” Stefanski said. “I will say this about Joe: Joe was awesome for this football team. He did a great job. Battled like crazy. I know he enjoyed it. We obviously wish (the playoff) outcome was different, but I have a ton of respect for Joe and what he was able to do.”

Flacco turns 39 on Tuesday and had five 300-yard games, including at Houston on Saturday, after signing as a free agent to join the practice squad on Nov. 20.

Watson had ankle and two separate shoulder injuries that kept him out of the lineup most of the 2023 season. He had surgery on his throwing shoulder in December. Watson served an 11-game suspension in his first season with the Browns.

But Stefanski said there’s not a doubt the organization still views him as a franchise quarterback. Cleveland’s first-round pick is again owed to the team that eliminated the Browns from the playoffs as part of the massive payment for the trade for Watson. Watson also signed a $230 million fully guaranteed contract.

“We feel really confident in the roster Andrew’s put together. And Deshaun’s a huge part of that,” Stefanski said.

“I mean 4-1 as a starter, some really great moments, that second half versus Baltimore is something that I don’t know how many people on Earth can do what he did with the injuries that he had in that second half. So very excited for him. He’s excited. I know he wants to get back healthy and he is well on his way to doing that.”

–Field Level Media

Nov 19, 2023; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers tight end Luke Musgrave (88) warms up before game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Packers WR Christian Watson, TE Luke Musgrave could play Sunday

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Purported No. 1 receiver Christian Watson and starting tight end Luke Musgrave have a “realistic” chance to play Sunday for the Green Bay Packers in the regular-season finale with the Chicago Bears.

The Packers are in the playoffs with a win against Chicago.

Watson missed the last four games with a hamstring injury but returned to practice this week.

Musgrave, recovering from a lacerated kidney, is being considered for the active roster on gameday for the first time since he was injured in Week 11.

“I’d say it’s realistic, yes,” Packers head coach LaFleur said.

Watson has five touchdowns catches but has been dogged by injuries since being drafted in 2022. When healthy, he’s served as the big-play threat in Green Bay’s offense and averages 15.1 yards on his 28 receptions this season.

Musgrave, the 42nd pick in the 2023 draft, is the co-star of the rookie class with wide receiver Jayden Reed and is tied for third on the team with 33 receptions despite missed time.

Green Bay is also hopeful Reed can go this week after he left last week’s win over the Vikings with a chest injury. Reed had six catches for 89 yards and two touchdowns prior to leaving the game.

The team’s leader with 60 catches, Reed has eight TD catches, tied with Romeo Doubs for tops on the Packers.

–Field Level Media

Nov 12, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) is helped up by running back Jerome Ford (34) after being tackled out of bounds during the second half against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Browns’ playoff odds plummet without Deshaun Watson

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The Cleveland Browns’ status as a legitimate threat in the AFC proved to be fleeting in the eyes of oddsmakers, who returned the long-beleaguered franchise to longshot status after losing quarterback Deshaun Watson to a season-ending shoulder injury.

The Browns were on the outside-looking-in in the deep AFC playoff picture just a week ago. Despite owning a winning record, Cleveland was viewed as a second-tier team in the conference, owning +1700 odds to win the conference at BetRivers and +2200 at DraftKings.

Then came Sunday’s come-from-behind stunning upset of division-rival Baltimore that pulled the Browns to 6-3 and within a half-game of the Ravens in the AFC North. If the regular season ended today, Cleveland would be in the playoffs as the second wild-card team.

Following the dramatic victory, the Browns’ odds to win the AFC championship dropped to +1200 at BetRivers and +1300 at DraftKings. Meanwhile, their odds to win the jam-packed AFC South division title shifted to +220 and +230, respectively.

Feint Super Bowl aspirations were also rekindled, with Cleveland suddenly +2500 at BetRivers and +3000 at DraftKings.

Then came Wednesday morning’s bombshell that Watson will miss the remainder of the season.

Backup P.J. Walker won two of the three games he started in Watson’s absence earlier this season. However, coach Kevin Stefanski said the Browns will turn to fifth-round rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson, who threw three interceptions in starting a 28-3 loss against Baltimore on Oct. 1.

Oddsmakers clearly don’t have faith that the rookie can help the Browns keep pace in the deep AFC.

Cleveland’s odds to win the AFC moved to +2500 at BetRivers and +2000 at DraftKings, with the team’s Super Bowl odds lengthening to +500 and +4500, respectively. BetMGM also moved the Browns’ title odds from +2200 to +5000.

Just reaching the playoffs will be a significant challenge, as the Browns are now +500 and +450 to win their division at BetRivers and DraftKings, respectively. Cleveland is tied for second in the AFC North, but ahead of only Cincinnati (5-4).

The Browns are even at 6-3 with Pittsburgh, and play host to the Steelers on Sunday before traveling to face the Denver Broncos and Los Angeles Rams.

Following the Watson news, BetMGM and DraftKings both moved the Browns from -4.0-point favorites against the Steelers to -1.5.

BROWNS FUTURES (BetRivers)
ON 11/7:
Super Bowl: +3500 (11th)
AFC: +1700 (7th)
AFC North: +550 (3rd)

ON 11/14:
Super Bowl: +2800 (10th)
AFC: +1200 (6th)
AFC North: +220 (2nd)

TODAY:
Super Bowl: +5000 (t-13th)
AFC: +2500 (9th)
AFC North: +500 (t-4th)

Browns general manager Andrew Berry said doctors indicated Watson should not have been able to play with the injury.

“For Deshaun to play, call it 2 1/2 quarters, at a really high level against one of the best defenses in the league with this injury plus the high ankle (injury), it really is an incredible display of physical and mental toughness,” Berry said.

The Browns said doctors were concerned about further structural damage.

“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.”

Berry said the Browns, who traded current Minnesota Vikings starter Josh Dobbs before the start of the season, are in the market for a third quarterback and would add one this week.

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, 28, 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