Adam Schefter ESPN15 de Oct, 2023, 12:55 ETLectura: 4 min.
The most intriguing matchups of Week 6 in the NFL
The 49ers visit the Browns in a duel of solid defenses, Dak Prescott and the Cowboys meet Kellen Moore again and the Lions visit some surprising Buccaneers.
Quarterback Deshaun Watson could return for Week 7, when the Browns face the Colts.
“Hopefully he’ll be back next week,” a source told ESPN.
“He could be back next week,” another source said.
Deshaun Watson will not play in Week 6 vs. 49ers.Getty
While a Week 7 return is realistic and possible, the Browns want to make sure Watson’s injury doesn’t become a season-long issue and don’t want the three-time Pro Bowler to return to play until he can throw. pain-free, something he hasn’t been able to do since suffering the injury in Week 3 against the Tennessee Titans.
Tests have shown there is no structural damage to Watson’s shoulder, but the Browns want their franchise quarterback to be functional.
“Any injury… you have to be able to do your job, you have to be able to function and do all the things that are asked of you to play your position,” Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said last week. “A quarterback… when you have this type of injury, you have to make sure you’re able to drive the ball and make all the throws.”
With Watson sidelined for the second straight game on Sunday, the Browns will turn to quarterback PJ Walker, who was promoted to the active roster on Saturday after signing with Cleveland’s practice squad on Aug. 30. Walker made seven starts in three seasons with the Carolina Panthers, completing 57.5% of his passes with five touchdowns and 11 interceptions.
Walker’s interim head coach last season with the Panthers was none other than Steve Wilks, who is now the defensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers he will face on Sunday.
“Steve has a good idea and knows what the pros and cons are, and we’ve been preparing him all week like this could be it,” Niners coach Kyle Shanahan said of Walker.
The Browns will also be without another key offensive player: All-Pro left guard Joel Bitonio, who has been ruled out for Sunday’s game with a knee injury. Bitonio, who made 102 consecutive starts for the Browns, will be replaced by Michael Dunn but is expected to return next week against the Colts.
Browns tight end David Njoku, who is listed as questionable after suffering burns to his face and arm on Sept. 29 while trying to light a campfire, is also expected to play against the 49ers.
2023-10-15 16:55:00
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