Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson is dealing with a minor ankle injury after leading his team to a thrilling 33-31 victory over the Ravens on Sunday. Watson hurt his left ankle in the fourth quarter when he was sacked by Ravens linebacker Tyus Bowser. He limped off the field but returned to the game and threw the game-winning touchdown pass to Jarvis Landry with 1:12 left.
Watson underwent an MRI on Monday to check the extent of the damage, but Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said the results were encouraging. “He’s sore, but nothing major,” Stefanski said on a Zoom call with reporters. “He’s day to day. We’ll see how he progresses throughout the week.”
Watson, who was traded to the Browns from the Texans in March, has been playing at an MVP level this season. He has thrown for 2,367 yards, 19 touchdowns, and four interceptions, while also rushing for 312 yards and four scores. He leads the NFL in passer rating (117.9) and yards per attempt (9.2).
Browns prepare for showdown with Steelers
The Browns (6-3) are in second place in the AFC North, one game behind the Steelers (7-2), who they will face on Sunday at Heinz Field. The Steelers beat the Browns 31-17 in Week 6, snapping Cleveland’s four-game winning streak. Watson had a rough outing in that game, throwing two interceptions and losing a fumble.
Watson said he expects to play against the Steelers, who have the league’s best defense in terms of yards and points allowed. “I’ll be ready,” Watson said after the game. “I’m not going to miss this one. It’s a big game for us. We have to go out there and compete and try to get a win.”
Stefanski said he is confident in Watson’s ability to bounce back from the injury and the previous loss. “He’s a tough guy. He’s a leader. He’s a competitor. He’s everything you want in a quarterback,” Stefanski said. “He’s done a great job for us this season. He’s going to do everything he can to be out there on Sunday.”
Browns’ offense clicking with Watson and Chubb
One of the reasons for the Browns’ success this season has been the emergence of a potent offense led by Watson and running back Nick Chubb. Chubb, who missed four games with a knee injury, returned to action on Sunday and ran for 146 yards and a touchdown on 18 carries. He also had a 59-yard run in the final minute that set up the Browns’ victory formation.
Chubb and Watson have formed a dynamic duo that has given opposing defenses nightmares. Chubb ranks third in the NFL in rushing yards (853) and yards per carry (6.0), while Watson ranks second in the NFL in total touchdowns (23). They are the only pair of teammates in the league to each have at least 10 touchdowns.
Stefanski said he is impressed by the chemistry and camaraderie between Watson and Chubb, who are both in their fifth season in the NFL. “They’re both great players, but they’re also great teammates. They’re unselfish. They’re humble. They’re hard-working. They’re everything you want in a locker room,” Stefanski said. “They make each other better. They make our team better.”
