National Football League

Browns QB Deshaun Watson (shoulder) officially ruled out vs. 49ers

Updated Oct. 12, 2023 7:44 p.m. ET

share

facebookxredditlink

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson missed his third straight practice this week on Thursday, and has been ruled out for Sunday's game against San Francisco as he recovers from a shoulder injury.

Watson is dealing with a bruise to his throwing shoulder, an injury sustained on Sept. 24 against Tennessee. He surprisingly sat out Cleveland's game against Baltimore the following week, and the Browns had hoped he would get healthier during their bye.

However, Watson isn't ready to practice, which has led to him sitting out a second consecutive game when the Browns (2-2) host the unbeaten 49ers (5-0).

On Wednesday, the Browns moved quarterback PJ Walker ahead of rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson into the backup role behind Watson, and he will start against San Francisco. Walker made seven starts over three seasons in Carolina, and he gives Cleveland's coaching staff more comfort in the starting role.

Thompson-Robinson struggled in his NFL debut, throwing three interceptions in a 28-3 loss to Baltimore.

Reporting by The Associated Press.

FOLLOW Follow your favorites to personalize your FOX Sports experience

National Football League

Cleveland Browns

Deshaun Watson

[Do you want more great stories delivered right to you? Here's how you can create or log in to your FOX Sports account, follow your favorite leagues, teams and players and receive a personalized newsletter in your inbox daily.]

share

Get more from National Football League Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more

in this topic

Cleveland Browns

Deshaun Watson

National Football League

NFL - San Francisco 49ers vs. Cleveland Browns - 10/15/2023