DeShaun Watson led the Cleveland Browns to an impressive second-half comeback win over the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday afternoon, but the pivotal division win might come at a cost.
According to a report from Mike Garafolo of the NFL Network, Watson was seen in a walking boot in the Browns' locker room following Sunday's 33-31 victory.
#Browns QB Deshaun Watson in a walking boot. Says he doesn?t feel great now but ?I?ll be fine.? Adds he?ll be ready to go next Sunday. We?ll keep an eye on his status throughout the week.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) November 12, 2023
Watson was instrumental to the Browns' comeback, including guiding a 12-play and 58-yard drive to set up a 40-yard Dustin Hopkins field goal to win the game, while passing for 213 yards with one touchdown, one interception, and adding 37 rushing yards for the game.
Against the Ravens' Watson's performance was even more impressive, after recovering from Ravens defensive back Kyle Hamilton returning a tipped-pass interception for a touchdown on the Browns' second play from scrimmage.
The fact that Watson was forced into the locker room early at halftime, due to an ankle injury, and was seen in the locker room afterward in a boot made the performance all the more impressive. Perhaps the strongest of his career as the Browns' starter.
Even if whatever was ailing Watson after the game turns out to be minor, this has already been an injury-riddled campaign for the Browns' quarterback. Watson has already missed two games due to a shoulder injury so far in 2023.
P.J. Walker and rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson have each appeared in place of Watson when he was injured this season. Walker has made four starts, completing 49.5 percent of his passes for 618 yards with one touchdown to five interceptions, while Thompson-Robinson didn't fare much better, passing for 130 yards with a 54.1 completion percentage with three interceptions.
Through his first six games of this season, Watson has passed for 1,115 yards with seven touchdowns to four interceptions while adding 142 rushing yards with another touchdown.
After dispatching the AFC North leaders, Watson and the Browns are back in action next week, at home, against the Pittsburgh Steelers, aiming to avenge a Week 2 defeat and potentially take the division lead.
