Deshaun Watson’s injury could lead to lengthy absence from Cleveland Browns lineup
The Cleveland Browns have already ruled out Deshaun Watson for Sunday’s matchup with the San Francisco 49ers. It will be the second consecutive game the Browns’ franchise QB has missed. Initially, there was a belief that he’d be able to play in Week 4, since he was cleared by the medical team, yet Watson’s injury is lingering longer than expected.
Watson then had another full week to recover, with Cleveland’s bye taking place in Week 5, yet he’s still not ready to return.
What’s the issue with Watson?
While there is no structural damage to his throwing shoulder, according to Mary Kay Cabot, Watson is actually dealing with a deep rotator cuff contusion. It’s possible he’s set to miss several more weeks while trying to recover.
Watson is not expected to need surgery, but if that determination changes, the three-time Pro Bowl QB may be forced to miss the rest of the season.
For now, the Browns are hoping to get their starting QB back for next week’s matchup against the Indianapolis Colts, but that’s far from a guarantee. Typically, a bruised rotator cuff takes anywhere from two to six weeks to recover from. This Sunday will be three weeks since Watson suffered the injury.
Yet, with Watson the future of the Browns at QB, no one should be surprised if Cleveland takes extra precautions with their $230 million cornerstone.
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Cleveland Browns offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt is standing firmly behind quarterback Deshaun Watson amidst the chatter surrounding Watson’s absence due to a rotator cuff contusion.
Watson missed the Week 4 game against the Baltimore Ravens due to the injury, sparking speculation and discussions about his toughness.
Van Pelt, however, vehemently defended Watson’s resilience during a recent news conference, stating that he would never doubt Watson’s toughness. Despite being medically cleared to play, Watson didn’t participate in the game against the Ravens, leading to some frustration among his teammates.
Reports suggest that Watson might need up to six weeks to fully recover, potentially paving the way for backup P.J. Walker to start against the San Francisco 49ers this Sunday.
Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski and general manager Andrew Berry had previously explained that Watson couldn’t perform well due to his inability to throw or drive the ball effectively. Van Pelt echoed these sentiments, comparing Watson’s situation to that of a runner unable to operate at full speed due to an injury.
Looking ahead, the Browns, listed as underdogs, are gearing up to face the 5-0 San Francisco 49ers at home this Sunday. Beyond this game, they are set to play the Indianapolis Colts in Week 7 on October 22, following the Colts’ matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
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