Following the stunning news that Deshaun Watson will miss the rest of the 2023 season, the Cleveland Browns reportedly will make a very confusing decision about who will be their new starting quarterback.
Wednesday morning brought some very bad news for Browns fans. Following a huge win over rivals the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday, it was revealed that starting QB Deshaun Watson had suffered a fracture to his shoulder and needed immediate surgery to repair the injury.
After the announcement, NFL Media league insider Tom Pelissero reported that Watson “wanted to be shot up and play through the injury.” Unfortunately, he was told by doctors that “if he got hit again in the same spot, the shoulder could fall apart.”
The injury is a devastating blow to the Browns’ playoff chances in 2023 just as the team built serious momentum in recent weeks after winning four of their last five and getting back into the chase for the AFC North title. While they could take a look at the free-agent market for replacements, in the short term they will go with an in-house option.
Dorian Thompson-Robinson to start for Cleveland Browns in Week 11
The obvious assumption would be that PJ Walker would take over the offense after filling in for Watson three times this season and being a part of two victories. However, that surprisingly will not be the situation in Week 11.
On Wednesday afternoon, Bleacher Report NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported that rookie third-string QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson will actually be under center to start the team’s pivotal division game against the Steelers on Sunday afternoon.
Thompson-Robinson was given the chance to start in place of Watson in Week 4 against the Ravens and he struggled mightily. He threw three interceptions and was sacked four times as the offense only managed three points. It’s why Walker was installed as the starter in the following games Watson missed.
As the team’s starter this season, Walker is 2-1 and was a part of big wins over the Colts and 49ers.