The Cleveland Browns came away the victors of a 39-38 thriller against the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, but injury concerns surrounding quarterback Deshaun Watson remain.
Watson exited the game in the initial quarter after being shoved to the turf post an unsuccessful pass, which seemed to cause the back of his head to strike the ground. The Browns’ quarterback remained briefly lying on his back, showing discomfort in his right shoulder as he rose. He promptly headed to the blue medical tent.
After the game, Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski informed reporters that he made the decision to keep Watson on the sidelines, even though he had been cleared following a concussion evaluation.
“I chose not to send him back out on the field,” said Stefanski. “My priority was to safeguard our franchise quarterback.”
Watson informed journalists that, as a “competitor”, he desired to reenter the game, but he comprehended the decision.
“I want to go out there and try to help the team as much as possible. Go out there and play and perform and compete,” Watson said, via BrownsZone.com. “The decision was best for the team. They felt that was the best. PJ [Walker] did a great job of finishing the game.”
Sunday marked Watson’s first game back after being sidelined for multiple weeks due to a right shoulder injury. He completed one pass for 5 yards (five attempts) and threw one interception before exiting Sunday’s game out of precaution.
Stefanski added that Watson is expected to start next week’s game in Seattle.
“Stefanski stated, “He’s our starting player in Seattle. The decision to protect our players will always be mine.”
PJ Walker entered the game for Watson when the Browns defense recovered a fumble three plays into the Colts’ ensuing possession following Watson’s exit. With Cleveland down, 14-7, Walker proceeded to lead the Browns on a five-play, 36-yard touchdown drive to tie the game at 14.
The Browns announced that Watson was cleared at that point, but he continued to stay on the sideline with Walker at center. The team offered no further explanation for Watson’s absence.
Walker played a crucial role in exploiting the early dominance of the Browns’ defense, contributing to Cleveland’s season-high score of 39 points. Although the seasoned quarterback only completed 15 out of 32 passes for 178 yards with no touchdowns and one interception, he was vital in orchestrating a 12-play, 80-yard drive that clinched the game for the Browns with just 19 seconds remaining.
