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Browns QB Deshaun Watson doesn’t practice, questionable for Sunday

profilephotocropby:Suzanne Halliburton•10/12/23•

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deshaun watson
Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

It’s beginning to look like Brown quarterback Deshaun Watson will miss another start, although he’s been cleared medically to play.

Watson didn’t practice, Thursday. And he hasn’t been in a game or involved in team drills since injuring his throwing shoulder against the Titans in a 27-3 win on Sept. 24. The 49ers are next up for Cleveland and it’s likely that P.J. Walker will get the nod as the starter.

In fact, as practice started Thursday, Deshaun Watson wasn’t even on the field. ESPN’s Jake Trotter noted that Walker is taking the first-team snaps.

Walker spent most of the summer with the Chicago Bears. The Browns signed him to their practice squad, Aug. 30. A month later, the Browns elevated him to the active roster. Meanwhile, rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson received the unexpected start in what turned into a 28-3 loss. Word out out of Cleveland that entire week had Deshaun Watson starting. He was going through individual drills, with the Browns listing him as limited on the injury report. He was questionable for the Ravens, then a no go.

Now, it appears it’s Walker as the Browns QB1.

Deshaun Watson watches as backup quarterback PJ Walker warms up before playing the Ravens, Oct. 1. Walker likely will start this Sunday as Watson continues to miss practice because of a shoulder iinjury. (David Richard-USA TODAY Sports)

This week, Browns offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt found himself answering questions about Watson’s toughness.

“I would never, ever, ever doubt his toughness — never. I would never doubt his toughness,” Van Pelt told reporters at his weekly press conference. “I’ve seen him play, I’ve seen him do some amazing things, fight through amazing things. That is not the issue at all — whatsoever.

Van Pelt added: “If I’m a running back and I can’t run full speed, I don’t know if I’m going to be able to make it. I might be cleared medically, but I can’t operate with my strength, which is my legs as a runner. So, same as a thrower for him. I would never, ever, ever doubt his toughness. He’s tough as nails.”

“He’s trying to get better. (And) he’s getting better each week and it’s an injury to his main weapon — his throwing [shoulder]. So we’ll get him back when he’s ready. Hopefully, it’s sooner than later. But I would never, ever — if he can play, he’s going to play. He’s a fierce competitor.”

Deshaun Watson hasn’t spoken with the media since before the Browns game with the Ravens. Maybe skipping the 49ers is neccessary for Watson’s safety. San Francisco, in a 42-10 win over the Cowboys last Sunday, sacked quarterback Dak Prescott three times. They also got backup Cooper Rush on a sack. Plus, the 49ers defense picked off Prescott three times. It’s a tough defense to face if you’re not at full strength.