Kevin Stefanski Reveals P.J. Walker to Start for Cleveland Browns as Deshaun Watson Focuses on Shoulder Rehab
Head coach Kevin Stefanski of the Cleveland Browns made an announcement on Wednesday, confirming that backup quarterback P.J. Walker will be starting against the Seattle Seahawks. This decision comes as Deshaun Watson focuses on rehabilitating his shoulder after sustaining an injury. According to Stefanski, Watson has residual swelling that is affecting his throwing, thus it is best for him to rest this week.
This announcement may seem straightforward, as it simply states that an injured player will be missing a game. However, it’s important to note that this decision contrasts the way the Browns have handled Watson’s availability in the past. In previous games, Watson was not ruled out until after a pregame throwing test and was allowed to stand on the sideline despite not returning to the field.
These circumstances have raised questions about Watson’s desire to play, Stefanski’s handling of the situation, and the clarity of communication between player and coach. Given the Browns’ significant investment in Watson, these questions are only natural.
Assessing Watson’s Health
It is crucial to start with the premise that the Browns do not consider Watson to be healthy. Despite the machismo culture in the NFL that distinguishes between pain and injury, a team source has stated that Watson is actually injured. The physical discomfort he is experiencing is impacting his ability to throw the football.
Earlier this month, there seemed to be some confusion about Watson’s situation when Stefanski stated that he trusted Watson’s assessment of his ability. This raised questions about whether Watson was physically capable but lacked the mental confidence to perform. Another interpretation suggests that Watson wanted to play, but the coaches needed to protect him from further injury and ensure the team’s chances of winning.
Watson’s athleticism, off-schedule plays, and powerful arm have been instrumental in his success over the past three Pro Bowl seasons. However, even if there is no structural damage or need for surgery, the swelling from a strain in the subscapularis within the rotator cuff can cause pain and weakness. The next steps in Watson’s recovery are regaining strength and velocity.
The Dilemma for the Browns
The Browns now face a series of questions as they navigate Watson’s health and its impact on the team. How is Watson’s health affecting his production? How should the team balance risk tolerance with the significant investment they’ve made? Will the performance of their playoff-caliber defense influence the timeline of Watson’s return? What lessons can the Browns learn from Baker Mayfield, who played through a lingering injury?
To gain a better understanding of the situation, Yahoo Sports reached out to members of the Browns organization and league sources who have experience with making quarterback decisions. It is clear that Watson’s health is a significant factor in the team’s decision-making process.
Maximizing Availability or Preserving the Investment?
An anonymous agent who represents NFL quarterbacks shared some insights into their advice for clients. They advise their clients that it never pays to play through an injury, especially when it may affect their performance and cost them financially. However, in Watson’s case, he may have a different perspective due to the security provided by his contract. The agent suggests that Watson could either choose not to play and rely on the contract’s protection, or push through the injury and potentially miss the rest of the year if necessary.
The Browns, on the other hand, are motivated to play Watson as long as he can perform well enough. However, it appears that Watson’s current condition is preventing him from doing so.
Navigating Watson’s Rehabilitation
The Browns will need to determine the threshold at which Watson’s value outweighs the risk. If Myles Garrett and the defense can continue to excel without Watson’s assistance, they can afford to give him more time to rehabilitate. The Browns currently have a 4-2 record and will face NFC opponents before diving into division games. While competing in a competitive division adds complexity to the playoff race, prioritizing a healthy late-season Watson over a healthy midseason one seems prudent.
During this time, the Browns will continue to gauge the readiness of their defense and special teams, who have delivered impressive performances in recent weeks. P.J. Walker, with a full week of practice, will also have the opportunity to improve his performance as the starting quarterback in Watson’s absence.
Right now, the focus is on Watson’s health and making smart decisions for the team. Although Watson wants to play badly, the decision to prioritize rehabilitation is crucial. The Browns will do everything they can to support Watson and ensure his return to full strength.
