Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson on missing games because of a shoulder injury: “I won’t endanger the team.”
Deshaun Watson, the quarterback, addressed for the first time since missing a Week 4 defeat to the Ravens on Wednesday, providing much-needed clarification on the ongoing mystery surrounding his shoulder.
However, Browns supporters won’t be overly pleased with the primary conclusion. Watson’s condition is still unknown for the Browns’ Sunday trip to Indianapolis to play the Colts. Watson may play this weekend, as he has every week since Week 4, but it will be contingent on his condition.
Watson, who skipped practise on Wednesday, responded, “I think so, it just depends on the process of the medical stuff and the treatment and rehab that we’re doing day to day,” “So it’s up in the air for sure.”
Reporters were informed by Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski on Wednesday that Watson is “making progress” but is still considered day-to-day.
Here’s the new information: after Cleveland’s victory over the Titans in Week 3, Watson revealed that his shoulder injury was actually a rotator cuff tear, a more serious condition than most people had thought. Naturally, this clarifies Watson’s absence, which has persisted longer than anticipated.
“This is my first time dealing with a rotator cuff, so I’m just trying to get as comfortable as I possibly can to go out there and perform at the level I know I can,” Watson stated to reporters on Wednesday. “If I am unable to, we must simply carry on day by day. If I’m not able to do some things that will make us handicapped in certain circumstances, I won’t jeopardise the team. I haven’t been able to take the pitch because of this.
Browns supporters are probably relieved to hear Watson’s explanation, if nothing else, given that they were previously told to believe the quarterback would be sidelined for two games (plus a bye week) due to a contusion. QBs have historically experienced chronic problems as a result of rotator cuff issues: In 2017 and early 2019, Cam Newton had two shoulder surgeries (one for a partially torn rotator cuff, the other an arthroscopic procedure), both of which came before he left Carolina. Additionally, in 2005, Drew Brees sustained a serious shoulder injury that included rotator cuff damage, ending his tenure in San Diego. Later, Brees bemoaned the injury and said it prevented him from playing past his age-41 season.
Considering the importance of a quarterback’s throwing shoulder, such an injury is also difficult to play through.
Cleveland has given Watson permission to be cautious with his condition; in Week 4, rookie backup Dorian Thompson-Robinson and seasoned P.J. Walker in a victory over the 49ers—then unbeaten—in Week 6. Walker will start this Sunday if Watson is unable to play, according to Stefanski’s statement from Wednesday.
With their excellent defence, the Browns were able to upset San Francisco last weekend, but as each week goes by, their endurance will be put to the test.
In Week 7, we’ll see if Watson can play or if Walker starts in place of Watson, this time against the Colts, who have also been forced to rely on their backup quarterback after rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson suffered a season-ending shoulder injury.
Leave a Reply