P.J. Walker taking first team reps for Browns with Deshaun Watson still sidelined

With the starter not practicing, it was P.J. Walker taking first-team reps.

The Cleveland Browns have their hands full this week against the San Francisco 49ers, but it looks much murkier than anyone could have imagined. Despite missing the Week 4 game against the Baltimore Ravens and getting his rest and rehab through the bye week, quarterback Deshaun Watson is still not practicing with a rotator cuff contusion. In his place, expected starter P.J. Walker took first-team reps during Wednesday’s practice.

After his struggles in his debut against the Ravens, Dorian Thompson-Robinson is expected to back up the practice squad quarterback instead of being fed to the wolves against the fierce buzzsaw of the San Francisco 49ers.

Walker has started seven games over the last two seasons, including five a year ago with the Carolina Panthers. He threw for 731 yards, three touchdowns, and three interceptions in 2022.

With 12 games still in front of them after them, it appears the Browns are playing the long game.