Browns rule QB Watson (shoulder) out vs. 49ers

Last updated: 2023/10/13 at 7:16 PM

BigP Published October 13, 2023

Jake Trotter, ESPN Staff WriterOct 13, 2023, 12:00 PM ET
Close

BEREA, Ohio — Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson will miss a second consecutive game with a right shoulder injury, the team announced Friday.

PJ Walker will start at quarterback Sunday against the San Francisco 49ers.

Watson also missed Cleveland’s game Oct. 1 against the Baltimore Ravens. He briefly threw on the field during pregame in front of Browns officials before the decision was made to make him inactive. Rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson started for Watson in that game.

After the 28-3 loss to Baltimore, coach Kevin Stefanski said he expected Watson to be ready for the 49ers. But Watson has not had a full practice since Sept. 22 while dealing with a bruised rotator cuff to his throwing shoulder.

Despite coming off a bye week, he missed every practice this week while rehabilitating inside.

Stefanski has reiterated that nothing is torn in Watson’s shoulder and that it remains structurally sound. Stefanski said after the Ravens game that Watson has been medically cleared but can’t throw the ball effectively enough to feel comfortable playing.

“Any injury … you have to be able to do your job, you have to be able to function and do all the things that are asked of you to play your position,” Stefanski said this week. “A quarterback, when you have this type of injury, you have to make sure you’re able to drive the football, make all the throws.”

The Browns signed Walker to their practice squad Aug. 30 after training camp. He made seven starts over three seasons with the Carolina Panthers, completing 57.5% of his passes with five touchdowns and 11 interceptions.

The Browns will also be without another key player offensively. All-Pro left guard Joel Bitonio has been ruled out with a knee injury. Bitonio had made 102 consecutive starts for the Browns. Michael Dunn will start in his place.

Tight end David Njoku, meanwhile, is listed as questionable after suffering burn injuries to his face and arm Sept. 29 while trying to light a fire pit. Njoku did play two days later against the Ravens but didn’t return to practice until Friday as he continues to recover.