Report: Browns QB Deshaun Watson ruled out for Week 6 game vs 49ers

It sounds like Cleveland will be without starting quarterback Deshaun Watson for at least another week. Per CBS Sports‘ Josina Anderson, the Browns starter is unlikely to play in Sunday’s game against San Francisco.

Watson did not play in Cleveland’s Week 4 game against Baltimore. The Browns dropped that game 28-3 with Dorian Thompson-Robinson taking the snaps.

Watson is dealing with a shoulder injury, which has kept him sidelined. He played in the first three games before missing the showdown with Baltimore. Last week, the Browns had the week off.

I’m told the #Browns QB Deshaun Watson will not play Sunday vs the 5-0 #49ers, per source.

— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) October 12, 2023

Cleveland owns a 2-1 record with Watson under center, defeating the Bengals in Week 1 and Tennessee in Week 3. His only loss this season was a 26-22 defeat to Pittsburgh in Week 2.

In the Week 4 loss to the Ravens, Thompson-Robinson completed 19-of-36 passes for 121 yards with no touchdowns and three interceptions. He was also sacked four times for 48 yards. The Browns rushed for just 93 yards.

In his three appearances this season, Watson has thrown for 678 yards with four touchdowns, two interceptions and a 63.7% completion rate. He has reached the end zone once on the ground.

Trying to get a win becomes even more difficult for Cleveland without Watson. The 49ers enter Sunday’s game with a perfect 5-0 record, fresh off a dominating 42-10 win over the Cowboys.

Four of San Francisco’s five wins have come by double digits. The Niners own an average margin of victory of 19.8 points per game.

Browns OC Alex Van Pelt comments on Deshaun Watson

This week, Browns offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt was asked for comment on 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.

“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.”