Jake Trotter, ESPN Personnel Essayist
INDIANAPOLIS — Cleveland Browns schoolmaster Kevin Stefanski stated Monday that Deshaun Watson left-overs “the leader” of the group even then the quarterback used to be got rid of from Sunday’s match in opposition to the Indianapolis Colts.
“I’m always going to be protective of my players, especially at the quarterback position,” Stefanski stated. “Just felt like the right thing in that moment was to hold him out of that game.”
Watson exited within the first quarter then taking a crash from Colts defensive finish Dayo Odeyingbo. Watson cleared concussion protocol, however Stefanski choose to proceed with extra PJ Walker the left-overs of the sport. For the second one instantly moment, Walker led the Browns on a game-winning pressure, as Cleveland (4-2) got here again to defeat the Colts 39-38.
Watson had finished only one of five passes for five yards with an interception when he left.
He had neglected Cleveland’s earlier two video games with a rotator cuff pressure in his proper, throwing shoulder. Upcoming the sport Sunday, Watson stated he wasn’t positive if he reinjured the shoulder. Stefanski stated Monday the Browns had been nonetheless “gathering information” on it.
Stefanski would no longer say whether or not the Browns are taking into account hanging Watson on injured keep, which might clear up a roster spot however power Watson to omit no less than the later 4 video games.
“He’s getting better,” Stefanski stated, “he’s a competitive kid, he’s working hard.”
Walker finished 15 of 32 passes for 178 yards and an interception. He led the Browns at the 12-play, 80-yard pressure, which used to be capped by means of a 1-yard landing run by means of Kareem Hunt with 15 seconds too much.
“They felt like the decision was best to let PJ go in and finish the game,” Watson stated in a while. “PJ did a great job.”
Stefanski stated Sunday that Watson is “our starter moving forward,” together with in later weekend’s match in Seattle if “he’s ready to roll.”
The Browns despatched 3 first-round choices to the Houston Texans in 2022 to get Watson, next signed him to a unutilized five-year assurance significance $230 million absolutely assured.
Watson, alternatively, has performed in best 9 complete video games for the Browns. He served an 11-game suspense utmost 12 months for violating the league’s non-public habits coverage then he used to be accused by means of greater than two accumulation ladies of sexual attack and sexual misconduct throughout therapeutic massage classes.
Till Thursday of utmost moment, Watson had no longer had a complete follow since Sept. 22. Watson had stated he had hassle riding the ball downfield because of the shoulder shock. However Stefanski stated then Friday’s follow that Watson seemed like himself once more.
Upcoming Watson left Sunday’s match, the Browns didn’t give him an shock designation and introduced best that he had cleared the concussion protocol.
Stefanski additionally stated Watson would have long past again into the sport had Walker been injured; the Browns didn’t have every other quarterback dressed.
“Whenever I step on the field, I don’t want to have any pain holding me back and be handicapped,” Watson stated. “We had a great week of preparation and we felt that it was the best opportunity for me to come back this week. I just wasn’t able to finish the game.”
The Browns are utmost within the NFL in QBR (33.9) and passer score (61.0) this season.
