Browns Injury Update: Is Deshaun Watson Playing in Week 6 Against the Niners?

(Photo : Nick Cammett/Getty Images) CLEVELAND, OHIO - Deshaun Watson (#4) of the Cleveland Browns looks on prior to a game against the Baltimore Ravens at Cleveland Browns Stadium.

The Cleveland Browns are set to face the San Francisco 49ers in Week 6. However, the big question remains: is Deshaun Watson playing in Week 6 against the Niners?

There remains no clarity on whether the three-time Pro Bowler will be good to go. The Browns drew a bye in Week 5, so the respite could be to the advantage of Watson.

How serious is the injury of Deshaun Watson?

The 28-year-old was dealing with a rotator cuff contusion and was listed daily, according to NFL Insider Tom Pelissero. He was also a scratch in Week 4 and did not practice on Monday, October 9. However, he did some throwing according to that update.

#Browns QB Deshaun Watson remains day-to-day with what sources say is a rotator cuff contusion.

After a surprise scratch in Week 4, Watson spent the bye resting and rehabbing. He didn’t practice Monday, but did some throwing. Status TBD for Sunday’s game vs. the #49ers. pic.twitter.com/tREXg6r83U
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) October 10, 2023

When asked for an update, Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski said Watson is limited to what he can do for now - rehabbing his injury, Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com reported.

"He's doing everything in his power, working around the clock with rehab. He's just doing what he's being told to do in terms of his rehab process," Stefanski stated.

Browns may turn to P.J. Walker

With Watson's status questionable, Stefanski and the Browns will likely pin their hopes on P. J. Walker to start against the Niners, according to sources cited by TheOBR.com.

Walker played 15 games with the Carolina Panthers and made five starts. He completed 58% of his passes, three touchdowns and 11 interceptions.

It was surprising, considering rookie QB Thompson-Robinson was named as the backup of Watson. However, his NFL debut left a lot to be desired. He appeared overwhelmed in the Browns' loss to the Baltimore Ravens, 28-3, and admitted that he still needs to polish his act, the Associated Press reported.

"Going out there for the first time and now actually getting some tape to watch on myself to see what I need to correct. There's definitely a lot to clean up," the 23-year-old said.