Browns Quarterback Deshaun Watson Ruled Out Against Ravens Due to Shoulder Injury

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Deshaun Watson, the Cleveland Browns quarterback, will be sidelined for Sunday's game against the Baltimore Ravens due to a bruised throwing shoulder sustained in the previous week's win over the Tennessee Titans. This injury marks a setback for Watson, who was acquired by the Browns in a controversial trade last year. Limited in practice leading up to the game, he was listed as questionable before ultimately being ruled out. Browns coach Kevin Stefanski expressed disappointment and stated that Watson's return is expected in two weeks for the game against the San Francisco 49ers.

With Watson's absence, rookie quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson has been thrust into his first NFL start against the Ravens. Thompson-Robinson, a fifth-round pick from UCLA, has impressed during training camp and the exhibition season, securing his place as the Browns' backup quarterback. Given the competitive nature of the AFC North, the Browns would have greatly benefited from a fully healthy Watson to potentially take sole possession of first place in the division. However, they now find themselves facing this challenge with a rookie quarterback at the helm.

Despite the disappointment surrounding Watson's injury, there is some consolation in the fact that no structural damage or torn ligaments have been found in his shoulder. This indicates that his recovery and return to the field should not be impeded in the long term. Additionally, the Browns have a bye week following Sunday's game, providing Watson with extra time to heal before facing the 49ers on October 15. Coach Stefanski expressed confidence in Watson's eventual return and reiterated that the decision to sit him out was based on his discomfort and inability to perform at the required level.

The absence of Watson had a noticeable impact on the Browns offense during the game against the Ravens. They struggled to produce points and relied on a defensive pass interference call to secure their only field goal. Thompson-Robinson, thrust into a challenging situation in his first NFL start, struggled to find his rhythm, completing just 19 of 36 passes for 121 yards and throwing three interceptions. While the outcome was less than ideal, it can be seen as a valuable learning experience for the rookie quarterback as he continues to develop in the league.

Overall, the Browns will certainly miss the presence of Deshaun Watson on the field. His absence against the Ravens dealt a blow to their chances of securing first place in the AFC North. However, the team remains hopeful for his timely return, emphasizing that the injury does not pose long-term concerns. In the meantime, Dorian Thompson-Robinson will have the opportunity to gain valuable experience and showcase his abilities as the Browns seek to navigate this challenge and maintain their competitive standing in the division.