On Saturday, the Cleveland Browns made strategic roster changes, promoting quarterback P.J. Walker and wide receiver Jaelon Darden from the practice squad to the active roster. This move ensures that Walker will take the helm on Sunday as the Browns (2-2) prepare to face the undefeated San Francisco 49ers (5-0).
The decision to elevate Walker followed a challenging performance by rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson, who struggled in place of the injured starting quarterback Deshaun Watson.
In the previous game against the Baltimore Ravens on October 1, Thompson-Robinson completed only 19 of 36 passes, amassing 121 yards and throwing three interceptions in a disappointing 28-3 loss.
Watson, at 28 years old, is dealing with a rotator cuff contusion in his right shoulder, a consequence of being sacked an alarming 12 times in the first three games of the season. He was unable to participate in practice on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, and reports suggest he could be sidelined for over a month.
Consequently, Walker will step onto the field against the 49ers, facing off against defensive coordinator Steve Wilks, who previously held the same position with the Panthers during Walker’s tenure there. Notably, Walker, now 28, had a brief starting opportunity in 2022 under Wilks but was later benched.
Walker’s journey to the Browns began when he joined their practice squad on August 30. During his time with the Panthers from 2020 to 2022, he appeared in 15 games, including seven starts.
He completed 131 of 228 pass attempts, boasting a completion rate of 57.5 percent. His stats included 1,461 passing yards, five touchdowns, 11 interceptions, and a passer rating of 63.9. Additionally, wide receiver Jaelon Darden, 24, who has accumulated eight catches for 69 yards in 23 career games with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2021-22) and the Browns, is expected to contribute to the team’s offensive efforts.
