Browns QB Deshaun Watson exits game after getting slammed to the ground vs Colts

Deshaun Watson is out early in the Cleveland Browns’ matchup with the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday. After suffering a painful sack in the first quarter, Watson was slow to get to his feet.

The former Clemson standout headed to the injury tent to be examined by the Browns’ medical staff. Watson reportedly struggled to lift his right arm following the collision. With Watson out, backup quarterback PJ Walker will step in for the Browns.

Before suffering his injury, Watson was off to a sluggish start. The 6-foot-3 QB completed just 1-of-his-5 pass attempts for five yards. Watson also tossed an interception. While Watson is sidelined for now, he is questionable to return. He reportedly did not suffer a concussion on the play.

This isn’t the first time this season Watson has struggled. Watson entered Sunday’s contest with 678 passing yards and four touchdowns this season while throwing two interceptions. Watson has only connected on 63.7% of his passes this season.

A season filled with injuries for Deshaun Watson

Watson has been plagued with injuries this season. After starting in the Browns’ first three games, Watson missed the team’s 28-3 loss to the Baltimore Ravens and their 19-17 win over the San Francisco 49ers.

Rest assured, if Watson could play, he would. In Week 6, Browns offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt was asked to comment on Watson’s toughness.

“I would never, ever, ever doubt his toughness — never. I would never doubt his toughness,” Van Pelt told reporters at his weekly press conference. “I’ve seen him play, I’ve seen him do some amazing things, fight through amazing things. That is not the issue at all — whatsoever.

“If I’m a running back and I can’t run full speed, I don’t know if I’m going to be able to make it. I might be cleared medically, but I can’t operate with my strength, which is my legs as a runner. So, same as a thrower for him. I would never, ever, ever doubt his toughness. He’s tough as nails.

“He’s trying to get better. (And) he’s getting better each week and it’s an injury to his main weapon — his throwing [shoulder]. So we’ll get him back when he’s ready. Hopefully, it’s sooner than later. But I would never, ever — if he can play, he’s going to play. He’s a fierce competitor.”

As of this report, the Browns lead the Colts 30-21 with nine minutes remaining in the third quarter.