Watson again misses practice
Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson missed his third straight practice on Thursday as he continues to rehab a bruised rotator cuff in his throwing shoulder, an injury that may keep him out of Sunday’s game against the unbeaten 49ers.
P.J. Walker again worked with Cleveland’s starting offense. If Watson can’t play, and signs are pointing to that being the case, Walker will make his debut for the Browns (2-2).
Watson hasn’t practiced fully since Sept. 22, two days before he injured his shoulder on a running play in a win over the Titans. The 28-year-old was limited the following week in practice but was expected to play against the Ravens.
However, Watson couldn’t throw with any velocity during a workout about three hours before kickoff and it was decided he would sit against Baltimore.
Coach Kevin Stefanski initially said it was Watson’s decision not to play — despite being medically cleared by the Browns — before general manager Andrew Berry offered the choice was made mutually by the QB and team.
Whatever the case, Watson hasn’t returned to the field and it’s still not known who will start against the 49ers.
“It’s up in the air,” offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt said before practice. “Obviously if Deshaun can make it, that’d be great. And if he can’t, then P.J. will be just fine. So we’re ready for either scenario.”
On Wednesday, the Browns moved Walker ahead of rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson into the backup role. Walker made seven starts over three seasons in Carolina, and he gives Cleveland’s coaching staff more comfort if he has to start.
Thompson-Robinson struggled in his NFL debut, throwing three interceptions in a 28-3 loss to the Ravens.
Browns All-Pro left guard Joel Bitonio (knee) also missed his third practice in a row, putting his availability in question for Sunday. Bitonio has started 102 consecutive games.
Giant steps
While the chances of star running back Saquon Barkley getting back on the field soon are increasing, the Giants may be without quarterback Daniel Jones on Sunday night against the Bills.
Jones missed his second straight practice with a neck injury on Thursday, and his chances of playing seem less likely.
Coach Brian Daboll did not say much about the injury before practice, adding the fifthyear quarterback’s status would be determined over the next few days.
The Giants (1-4) have lost three straight games, and it will be hard to beat the Bills (3-2) with veteran backup Tyrod Taylor making his first start since late 2021. He was playing for the Texans that season. He signed with the Giants in 2022.
Jones hurt his neck in the fourth quarter of last Sunday’s 31-16 loss to the Dolphins. Andrew Van Ginkel sacked Jones from the blind side, and the quarterback’s neck appeared to go forward and snap back in a whiplash-type of movement.
Daboll said Barkley, who sprained an ankle on Sept. 17, is close to returning, possibly against the Bills. He has missed three games.
After practice, Barkley said he has been steadily improving, but there are times his ankle hurts when he cuts. He added Jones’s status will not influence whether he plays.
Anzalone’s family OK
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