Deshaun Watson ruled out after brief workout prior on field Sunday morning
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Editor's note: Tony Grossi is a Cleveland Browns analyst for TheLandOnDemand.com and 850 ESPN Cleveland. He has covered the Browns since 1984.
Deshaun Watson was a late scratch Sunday morning because of a shoulder contusion that hindered his throwing all week.
That meant rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson, a fifth-round pick from UCLA in the 2023 draft, will make his first NFL start against the division rival Baltimore Ravens.
According to a source, Watson believed he would be able to play even as he arrived at Cleveland Browns Stadium early Sunday morning. But in a very brief workout on the field under the watchful eyes of trainer Joe Sheehan, coach Kevin Stefanski, offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt, and GM Andrew Berry, Watson did more talking than throwing.
Although Watson wanted to play, according to the source, the Browns decided to err on the side of caution with the bye week ahead following by another home game against the San Francisco 49ers.
Thompson-Robinson was promoted to the top backup spot after the Browns traded veteran backup Joshua Dobbs to the Arizona Cardinals for a fifth-round draft pick in 2024.
DTR lit up the backups of the New York Jets and Washington Commanders in electrifying appearances in the first two preseason games, but came down to Earth in the practice games against the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs.
DTR practiced all week with the No. 1 offense as Watson went through “mental reps.”
Thompson-Robinson came in relief of Watson in the 27-3 victory over Tennessee with 4:49 to play, but did not attempt a pass. Watson had upped the lead with a 43-yard touchdown pass to Amari Cooper. There was no mention of a Watson injury until he was seen not throwing on Wednesday.
The Browns promoted P.J. Walker from their practice squad on Saturday. The Browns made Watson inactive for the game. That means Walker will serve as DTR's backup against the Ravens.
The Browns also made tight end David Njoku active for the game. Njoku suffered burns to his face and arm in a household accident lighting an outdoor fire pit on Friday night.
