Deshaun Watson Injury: Browns QB exits field after scary hit in win over Colts, uncertain on his return

The Cleveland Browns emerged victorious after a closely contested game against the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday night. However, the win did come with some collateral damage, with QB Deshaun Watson suffering an injury midway through the game.

Fans were concerned for their franchise QB as the 28-year-old appeared in grave pain right after as he lay spreadeagled on the ground. While the medical staff responded quickly, a lot of speculation remains on his availability for the next game, which depends on the severity of his fall.

Deshaun Watson exits field after scary hit

After missing the last two games for the Browns owing to a rotator cuff strain on his right shoulder, Deshaun Watson was up and raring to go on Sunday night against the Colts. However, he did not anticipate the ultra-physical nature of proceedings in the gridiron. With just three minutes remaining in the first quarter, Watson was viciously shoved down by Colts’ DE Dayo Odeyingbo.

After receiving medical attention, a decision was made to withdraw the franchise QB from the field. Head coach Kevin Stefanski clarified his take in the post-game press conference. He said, “I just did not want to put [Watson] back out there. I wanted to protect our franchise quarterback. That was my decision.”

“Whenever I step on the field, I don’t want to have any pain holding me back and be handicapped,” Watson said. “We had a great week of preparation and we felt that it was the best opportunity for me to come back this week. I just wasn’t able to finish the game.”

Deshaun Watson was replaced by backup quarterback P.J Walker for the remainder of the game. While Walker did hold his own for the remaining quarters, there is a lot of concern for Watson in the Browns’ camp, considering the risk of him aggravating his previous injuries.

Deshaun Watson on his possible return

In the press conference after the game, Deshaun Watson wasn’t sure whether he would be able to achieve match fitness before the game against the Seattle Seahawks next week.

Speaking to the reporters, he said, “It’s very disappointing. Just right back to the drawing board. It’s part of the game, I guess. You just have to deal with the adversity. But I’m going to keep my head held high, keep grinding and training, and be there for my teammates.”

“Whenever I step on the field, I don’t want to have any pain holding me back and be handicapped,” Watson said. “We had a great week of preparation and we felt that it was the best opportunity for me to come back this week. I just wasn’t able to finish the game.”

The silver lining in this entire situation is that the Cleveland Browns’ medical team has announced that Watson cleared his concussion protocol. This was something that could have set him back another week if it had gone south.

As for the game next weekend against the Seahawks, fans will have to wait for the official team news and coach Stefanski’s judgment to find out more regarding the starting QB.