The Cleveland Browns quarterback, Deshaun Watson, suffered a shoulder injury during their week 3 win against the Titans. While it was previously unknown, NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero revealed that Watson’s injury is a rotator cuff contusion, which is caused by a direct blow to the muscles of the shoulder. Usually, it can take at least 2 to 6 weeks to heal, which is why it will likely cause him to miss more games.
According to Josina Anderson, a CBS Sports NFL insider, the injury will keep Watson off from playing against the 49ers in Week 6. Currently, Watson has reportedly stuck to practices and warm-ups, and while it’s unknown when he’ll return, it’s unlikely that he’ll be placed on IR.
As Watson continues to heal, a replacement is expected if his injury isn’t completely healed. Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski revealed to reporters on Wednesday that Watson’s possible replacement will be the Browns journeyman passer P.J. Walker.
“Just felt like it was the right decision for the team,”said Stefanski. “P.J.’s been here now for a month plus, getting a better understanding of what we do.”
“I don’t care if it’s ankle, knee, shoulder, you have to be able to do your job and you have to be able to function and be able to do all the things that are asked of you to play your position,” he continued. “So that’s really what it is. Making sure that he continues to rehab and get to a place where he’s able to do his job at a high level.”
