Deshaun Watson Among Handful of Players Ruled Out For Week Six

After a week long saga monitoring Deshaun Watson's shoulder injury, the Browns quarterback was officially ruled out Friday

The guessing game is officially over – for now anyway. After a week of reading between the lines regarding the status of Cleveland Browns quarterback, Deshaun Watson, the team officially confirmed that the 28-year-old quarterback will not play against the San Francisco 49ers, Sunday.

As the team has stated all week, in the event Watson couldn't play, former Carolina Panthers quarterback, PJ Walker will start in place of Watson. Walker was elevated off the practice squad but the Browns have until 4 p.m. Saturday to announce the promotion and make a corresponding move.

In 15 games played, Walker has a 63.9 passer rating, has thrown for 1,481 yards, five touchdowns and 11 interceptions. The 28-year-old also spent time in the XFL in 2019.

P.J. is a pro," head coach Kevin Stefanski stated. "He's seen a lot of football, been in a lot of systems. He just has to do his job."

In terms of Watson's availability for Week Seven, the Browns head man wouldn't make any assumptions, reiterating that the team is taking it "day-by-day."

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Stefanski also confirmed similar reporting on the team's key injuries that left guard Joel Bitonio will also miss Sunday's game with a knee injury, bringing his streak of 102 consecutive games played to an end. Stefanski made it known that four-year vet Michael Dunn would start in Bitonio's place.

David Njoku was suspected to be unable to play this weekend as well, as he continues treatment for the burns he suffered prior to the Oct. 1 matchup with Baltimore. However, Stefanski noted that he "feels good" about the prospect of Njoku playing against San Francisco.

Additionally, rookie wide receiver Cedric Tillman has been declared out. Tillman popped up on the Browns injury report with a hip injury.