We are not sure if Deshaun Watson will be able to play an important game in his division this weekend. He might not be able to play in Cleveland’s Week 4 game against the Baltimore Ravens because his shoulder is hurt. Coach Kevin Stefanski talked about this on Friday.
On Friday, Watson only threw the ball once during practice before he had to stop and see a trainer, as reported by The Athletic’s Zac Jackson. Coach Stefanski said it was just some light throwing. When asked about Watson’s injury, Stefanski did not give away too much, but he did say they are taking it one day at a time to see how Watson feels.
“Stefanski was asked if he could tell us more about Watson’s injury. He jokingly said, “Do I really have to?” He compared it to how they handle injuries in hockey, saying they will go with whatever is mentioned in the official report.”
Watson was injured on a read option run in the third quarter of Sunday’s 27-3 win over the Titans, during which he gained 10 yards and ran over Titans defensive back Amani Hooker with his right shoulder. This caused complaints. Stefanski acknowledged this to be the case on Friday.
If Watson is unable to play Sunday, rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson will be in the starting lineup. When Watson spoke with Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com in the locker room after Friday’s session, he expressed his confidence that he would be ready in time for Sunday.
They Will Not Have to Change their Game Plan Too Much
If the Browns are forced to trade Thompson-Robinson, it would present an interesting scenario. The UCLA product showed signs of a bright future during preseason snaps, reinvigorating a Browns offense that had been largely stagnant with a backup lineup of Joshua Dobbs and Kellen Mond.
Thompson-Robinson, who brings great agility and improvisational skills, nearly found the frame on passes to backup Brown and developed a good rapport with current practice squad receiver Austin Watkins Jr.
If Watson cannot play and Thompson-Robinson steps in, Cleveland will see their backup quarterback in action. This was not what they planned just a week ago. The good thing is that they will not have to change their game plan too much because Thompson-Robinson has similar skills to Watson, which is why Watson is the main quarterback.
But for now, all eyes will be on Watson because everyone expects to see something positive or negative, whichever way.
