Kevin Stefanski Confirms P.J. Walker Will Serve as Browns Backup QB vs. 49ers

Walker would start for the Browns Sunday if Deshaun Watson is unable to play against the 49ers

Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski announced Wednesday that P.J. Walker will serve as the backup QB for Deshaun Watson in Week 6 against the 49ers as Watson continues to heal from a rotator cuff contusion to his throwing shoulder.

“PJ is going to be the backup quarterback this week,” Stefanski told reporters. “... Felt like it was the right decision for the team. (He’s) been here for a month plus getting a better understanding of what we do.”

Stefanski made the announcement prior to Wednesday’s practice, which Watson was scheduled to miss according to the Browns. Watson will go down as a “did not participate” on the injury report for the first time since he suffered his injury after taking a hit in the Browns’ Week 3 win against the Titans.

Watson was listed as a limited participant in the three practices leading up to their Week 4 game against the Ravens but didn’t play, which led to rookie QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson making his first career start. It didn’t go well for the fifth-round pick out of UCLA — he finished 19-of-36 for 121 yards with three interceptions in the 28-3 loss.

That performance is perhaps why the Browns are now turning to Walker, who has played in 15 games with seven career starts and owns a 4-3 record. Walker has a 57.5 career completion percentage and has thrown five touchdowns and 11 interceptions. He started five games for the Panthers last season and previously played in the XFL.

Walker, however, is currently on the Browns’ practice squad and would need to be signed to the 53-man roster to be active.

Regardless of who starts at QB, the Browns will face their toughest test of the season so far against the 49ers, who boast the league’s third-ranked defense and are one of two teams left with an unbeaten record.