Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson makes a major injury admission

Due to a nagging shoulder injury, quarterback Deshaun Watson of the Cleveland Browns acknowledged on Thursday that he “wasn’t ready” to play against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 7.

The three-time Pro Bowler sustained the injury in the team’s victory over the Tennessee Titans in Week 3, the game he played his best in a Cleveland uniform. The injury occurred in late September. With 289 passing yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions, Watson concluded the game 27-for-33.

Despite missing the team’s Week 5 bye, he returned to the field for the Browns’ last two games in Weeks 4 and 6, where he started against the Colts on Sunday.

Watson played just 12 snaps and went 1-for-5 for five yards with an interception before going down with the injury and seeing P.J. Walker guide the squad to a 39-38 decision.

Due to what has been described as a rotator cuff strain “micro tear” in his right shoulder, which is his throwing arm, Cleveland officially ruled Watson out of its Week 8 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks on Wednesday.

Thursday, Watson stated that he has been throwing “here and there a little bit” this week, emphasizing that “you have to take steps, not jumps.” He also affirmed that surgery has never been recommended as a treatment option.

Additionally, the 28-year-old vehemently refuted rumors that he does not want to participate in games.

Over the course of four games, Watson has gone 66-for-107 (61.7%) for 683 passing yards, four touchdowns, and three interceptions, good for an 80.9 quarterback rating. In addition, he has 15 rushes for 83 yards and one touchdown.

Dorian Thompson-Robinson has gone 19-for-36 for 121 passing yards with no touchdowns and three interceptions (25.3 quarterback rating), while Walker is 33-for-66 for 370 passing yards, no touchdowns, and three interceptions (48.2 quarterback rating) in two games, including one start.