Browns' Kevin Stefanski talks if Deshaun Watson wants to play through injury

Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski insists quarterback Deshaun Watson wants to play through the rotator cuff contusion that will sideline Watson for a second consecutive game, this Sunday's home matchup versus the 5-0 San Francisco 49ers.

"He's making progress," Stefanski said about Watson on Friday, per Kelsey Russo of the Browns' website. "He's getting better. He's very disappointed. He wants to play. He wants to be able to compete with his teammates, so he's just got to focus on getting better every day."

Stefanski added that Watson is considered day-to-day. 

Watson first hurt his shoulder during the Week 3 27-3 win over the Tennessee Titans and reportedly "aggravated" some teammates when he didn't start against the Baltimore Ravens on Oct. 1 even though he was medically cleared. 

Browns general manager Andrew Berry expressed confidence during Cleveland's Week 5 bye that the extra rest would have Watson good to go for the San Francisco game, but the 28-year-old didn't practice throughout the midweek before it was reported late Thursday afternoon that he'd remain a spectator this weekend. 

Backup P.J. Walker, who made five starts with the Carolina Panthers last season, will get the nod over rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson against the 49ers. Thompson-Robinson completed 19-of-36 passes for 121 yards with no touchdowns and three interceptions in the loss to Baltimore. 

While speaking with reporters on Thursday, Browns offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt defended Watson and said he "would never, ever, ever doubt" the signal-caller's toughness. 

"He’s tough as nails," Van Pelt added about Watson at that time.

Watson's next opportunity to silence any chatter about his toughness and overall dedication to the cause will come when Cleveland plays at the Indianapolis Colts on Oct. 22. 3-2 Indianapolis will be on the road against the 3-2 Jacksonville Jaguars this Sunday. 

As of Friday afternoon, OddsChecker listed the Browns as nine-point underdogs for this Sunday's contest.