Deshaun Watson expected to be game-time decision vs Ravens, per reports

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The Browns will wait until pre-game warmups Sunday to decide whether Deshaun Watson can play against the Ravens.

Heading into the game, the Browns quarterback is listed as questionable on the injury report. And just in case Watson can’t go, Cleveland elevated quarterback PJ Walker from the practice squad to the active roster. But, if Deshaun Watson can’t play, the Browns likely will look to rookie and former UCLA star Dorian Thompson-Robinson.

Watson injured his right, throwing shoulder against the Titans last Sunday while the Browns were in the midst of winning their first game of the season. Although he suffered the injury, Watson also put together his best game as a Browns quarterback in the 27-3 victory. He completed 27 of 33 passes for 289 yards and two touchdowns.

Deshaun Watson enjoyed his best day as a Brown last Sunday in a win over the Titans. However, he bruised his shoulder, which may keep him out of Sunday’s game against the Ravens. (Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK)

Deshaun Watson should play, but PJ Walker is an experienced QB

As of Friday, Watson was limited in how much he was throwing during practice. A reporter from The Athletic noticed that after Watson’s first throw of Friday’s practice, he walked over to the athletic trainers.

ESPN’s Kimberley Martin reported Saturday night that Watson is expected to play, but that Kevin Stefanski still wants to watch the QB in warmups to make sure his decision is a correct one. She said the Browns opting to elevate Walker earlier in the day isn’t a sign Watson won’t play.

Deshaun Watson (shoulder contusion) is expected to play vs #Ravens. Because he hasn’t thrown all week, Stefanski/trainers will watch Watson throw in warmups before officially giving green light.

Elevating PJ Walker from PS provides flexibility, but not a sign DW won’t go #browns
— Kimberley A. Martin (@ByKimberleyA) October 1, 2023

But, if Deshaun Watson can’t play, then Walker can help. The former Temple star started seven games for the Panthers. And, he spent time on the Colts practice squad. Walker also was the best player in the XFL back in 2020 before Covid shut down the spring football league. Walker signed with the Bears this past off season and spent training camp with Chicago. But the Bears waived him in late August.

Meanwhile, Thompson-Robinson, the Browns’ fifth-round pick, turned so many heads in training camp that Cleveland traded backup Josh Dobbs to the Cardinals.

However, the Ravens are prepping for Deshaun Watson. Even if he doesn’t play, the Browns will be running the same plays.

“We’ll be prepared. But everything coming out of there is that Deshaun is going to play,” said Ravens coach John Harbaugh. “And we’re preparing for the Browns. It’s the schemes they run [on] all three phases. It’s not so much about any one player, ever.”