Steelers Opponents

Browns QB Deshaun Watson Exits Game after Big Hit

Published

6 months ago

October 22, 2023

Chris Ward

FILE - Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) leaves the field at the end of the first half against the Chicago Bears in an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 27, 2022, in Cleveland. Suspended Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson’s status has not been affected by a new civil lawsuit filed against him by another woman claiming sexual misconduct two years ago, the NFL said. Watson is serving an 11-game suspension for alleged sexual misconduct while he played for the Houston Texans. (AP Photo/David Richard, File)

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson left Sunday’s game in the first quarter after taking a big hit from Indianapolis defensive end Dayo Odeyingbo. Watson’s head bounced off the Lucas Oil Stadium turf pretty hard after taking the hit. The team announced that Watson had cleared concussion protocol but had not assigned an injury as to why he was not playing. Watson completed only 1 of 5 passes for five yards with an interception prior to being sidelined. Watson was nearly intercepted on the play that he got injured, but it was ruled incomplete. P.J. Walker replaced him at quarterback.

Deshaun Watson injured early in #Colts game pic.twitter.com/VYUGnedWiy

— Bob Pompeani (@KDPomp) October 22, 2023

Watson stayed on the ground for several minutes before being assisted to the blue medical tent. Watson was questionable with a shoulder injury heading into Sunday. With Watson out last week, Walker completed 18 of 34 passes for 192 yards with no touchdowns and two interceptions against the San Francisco 49ers. Despite Walker not being efficient, the Browns still managed to upset the San Francisco, 19-17, thanks in large part to a dominating performance and a strong running game.

Early in the third quarter with the Browns leading 27-21, Walker has completed 6 of 14 passes for 70 yards. Browns running back Jerome Ford got things started for Cleveland with a 69-yard touchdown run on the opening possession. Kareem Hunt also had a 2-yard rushing touchdown and Tony Fields II had a fumble recovery in the end zone for a touchdown off a Myles Garrett strip-sack.

The Browns’ defense has been the calling card for Cleveland’s success this season. Per the NFL, the Browns have allowed only 1,002 yards through five games. That’s the fewest since the 1971 Colts, who allowed 836 yards through five games. And it’s the third fewest allowed in five games, behind the ’71 Colts and the 1970 Vikings, who gave up 945. Last Sunday, the Browns held the 49ers to only 215 yards.

Deshaun Watson’s health status and overall play is a major question mark for Cleveland, however, especially since they gave him an historic $230 million guaranteed deal, along with trading three first-round picks to Houston for his services.

RELATED: Deshaun Watson Dealing with Nagging Shoulder Injury