The Cleveland Browns got a bit of good news Wednesday when head coach Kevin Stefanski announced quarterback Deshaun Watson returned to practice. However, Stefanski specified Watson would “practice on a limited basis” this week before a decision would be made on the Browns’ starting quarterback for Week 9 against the Arizona Cardinals. He also re-affirmed P.J. Walker would get the nod again if Watson is unable to play.
The Browns’ quarterback situation has been a bit of an enigma all season. Watson opened the year as the starter, but missed Weeks 4 and 5 with a shoulder ailment, was knocked out Week 6 with another shoulder injury, and missed Week 7 because of it. Meanwhile, Cleveland started Dorian Thompson-Robinson for one game and Walker for the other two with varying results as the two combined to go 1-2 in their three starts.
Watson hasn’t been particularly good when he’s played though – which could also be a result of his injury. He’s thrown an interception in all but one of his four starts, and only thrown multiple touchdowns in one game and his 61.7 completion percentage ranks 27th in the NFL among quarterbacks with at least 100 passing attempts.
But, the Browns paid him $230 million. So if he’s healthy enough to play, he’s going to play. Especially with the Browns in the hunt for at least a wild card spot in the postseason. They’re currently the seventh seed behind the Pittsburgh Steelers and Buffalo Bills, and a win could vault them further into the playoff picture or even up the AFC North standings.
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