With Deshaun Watson out for a second-straight game, the latest update concerning the Browns quarterback suggests his lingering shoulder injury could continue to keep him sidelined over the next few weeks.
Cleveland has reportedly prepared to move on without Watson, who was ruled out for Week 6 on Friday, as he recovers from what’s been described as a “right rotator cuff contusion,” according to Cleveland.com’s Mary Kay Cabot.
Watson’s rotator cuff injury, labeled by Cabot as more than a “run-of-the-mill bruise,” is considered a “strain-like deep contusion,” which causes him notable pain. It’s worth noting a bruised rotator cuff is normally a two-to-six week recovery, depending on its severity.
As a result, Watson, per Cabot, will be required to rest and rehab his throwing shoulder until he can “throw normally and without pain,” an expectation Browns coach Kevin Stefanski made clear Friday.
“I know what he’s made of,” Stefanski said, per Cabot. “I know how badly he wants to be out there. I know how badly he wants to compete. I’ve seen him play through injuries. I mean, he’s a very tough individual, so he’s pushing through it. He’s going to be out there as soon as he’s ready.”
In regards to the possibility of Watson needing surgery, Cabot reported the Browns don’t believe it will be needed “at this time,” though such a procedure would likely prematurely end the his second season in Cleveland.
As the club keeps a watchful eye on Watson, the 28-year-old QB will, again, be relegated to the bench three weeks after sustaining his injury during a Week 3 win over the Titans. Backup QB P.J. Walker will fill in for the ailing Watson on Sunday when the Browns (2–2), following their Week 5 bye, face the 49ers (5–0) at home.
