The 49ers won’t face the Cleveland Browns at full strength Sunday according to a report from CBS Sports’ Josina Anderson. Anderson on Thursday reported Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson won’t play in Week 6 while he works his way back from a shoulder injury he suffered in Week 3.
Watson also missed Week 4 and then Cleveland had its bye in Week 5. Watson was cleared to play by team doctors, but he’s still not feeling healthy enough to participate. He practiced neither Wednesday nor Thursday of Week 6 – a strong indicator for his potentially availability even before Anderson’s report.
Cleveland will likely roll into Sunday’s matchup against the 49ers with rookie quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson. The 2023 Round 5 selection had an abysmal debut in Week 4 against the Ravens. He went 19-of-36 for 121 yards, zero touchdowns and three interceptions in a 28-3 loss. In that game though he didn’t find out he was starting until close to game time.
Now he’ll have an opportunity to prepare as the starter which should help him have a better showing in his second outing, but he will face one of the NFL’s stingiest defenses.
Veteran QB PJ Walker is also an option to start for the Browns. He’s 4-3 in seven career starts with a 57.5 percent completion rate, five touchdowns and 11 interceptions.
The 49ers were already favored to win Sunday, but now with Watson out it becomes a game San Francisco has to have.
