Browns look to Walker’s experience behind center with Watson uncertain
The last time Deshaun Watson wasn’t able to start a game for the Cleveland Browns, they turned to a rookie making his first NFL start. If they’re forced to do so again on Sunday, they’re going to at least have someone on the field with multiple starts under his belt.
As the Browns continue to battle the uncertainty surrounding Watson’s bruised rotator cuff in his right shoulder, they shuffled around the order of the quarterbacks behind him. Instead of rookie Dorian Thompson-robinson, who entered the season as the backup, coach Kevin Stefanski said fourth-year pro P.J. Walker would serve as the backup.
Walker, who is on the practice squad, picked up the starter reps during Wednesday’s practice since Watson wasn’t a participant. Walker would start Sunday against the San Francisco 49ers if the Browns’ $230 million quarterback is unable to play.
“I think with a veteran, he’s played in some games,” Stefanski said of the 28year-old Walker. “He’s won some games. Obviously, P.J. is not 40, but he’s played in some games. He’s been around a little bit. He’s played in different systems. So he’s getting comfortable with what we do here. He’s got a great demeanor, great way about him. He fits in well with the team. But really just if P.J. does end up playing, you’re just looking for him to be the best version of himself.”
Stefanski remains in the “day-today” mode when it comes to Watson’s status for Sunday. However, that mindset burned the Browns two weeks ago against the Baltimore Ravens when they were forced to switch to Thompsonrobinson less than three hours before kickoff after the shoulder pain and the lack of velocity proved too much for Watson to endure.
Thompson-robinson, who was selected by the Browns in the fifth round of April’s draft out of UCLA, struggled in the 28-3 loss to the Ravens. He completed 19 of 33 passes for 121 yards and three interceptions.
Walker played the previous three seasons with the Carolina Panthers. He played 15 games between 2020-22, making seven starts.
Walker, who spent all training camp with the Chicago Bears’ roster, has completed 131 of 228 passes for 1,461 yards and five TDS and 11 interceptions. He’s 4-3 as a starter, including 2-3 last season after taking over for Baker Mayfield with the Panthers.