Deshaun Watson played well in his first full game back from a shoulder injury a week ago. However, things were going slightly differently before injuring his ankle against the Baltimore Ravens in the second quarter. What do we know about the extent of his injury, and how may it change the Cleveland Browns‘ offensive attack?
A Slow Start and a Deshaun Watson Injury
Watson injured his ankle late in the second quarter against Baltimore. He remained in the game for the Browns’ field goal drive to make it a 17-9 game. Watson returned after a Lamar Jackson interception, but it was clear on the first play that his ankle was problematic for the mobile passer.
He started the game with a flukey pick-six, and the rest of his outing early on was nothing to write home about. The Ravens’ defense suffocated him with pressure and great play on the back end.
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Watson has already dealt with a shoulder injury, and he left the field before halftime clearly favoring his leg. He headed into the locker room early.
Watson has been no stranger to injuries in 2023. He suffered a right shoulder injury that kept him out multiple games, and he has looked banged up multiple times early this season.
Update (2:57 p.m. ET): ESPN Cleveland Browns beat reporter Jake Trotter posted on X (formerly Twitter) that PJ Walker was warming up on the sideline. But Watson jogged back onto the sideline right before kickoff. The Ravens received the ball first in the second half.
Update (3:07 p.m.): Watson returned to the field on the Browns’ first offensive drive.
Update (5:25 p.m. ET): Mary Cay Cabot reported that Watson was sporting a walking boot on his left foot after the game. Still, Watson said he’ll “be fine” and “ready to go” for Cleveland’s Week 11 game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Potential Fantasy Impact
The injury-riddled 2023 campaign for Watson continued against the Ravens after getting shaken up towards the end of the first half. Before sustaining an injury, Watson was struggling against the Ravens’ stingy defense, going 6-for-20 for 79 yards and an interception before halftime.
If Watson misses any time in the near future, the Browns will likely turn to veteran backup quarterback P.J. Walker under center. While Watson is out of the lineup, Amari Cooper drops into the low-end WR2 range in the fantasy rankings.