Deshaun Watson news could derail Browns' season

To Watson's credit, he wanted to play through the injury and sought multiple medical opinions, but doctors determined that "if he got hit again in the same spot, the shoulder could fall apart."

A full recovery is expected, but Cleveland now has a huge question at the most important position. Backup quarterbacks PJ Walker and Dorian Thompson-Robinson have combined for just one touchdown pass and eight interceptions and completed just 50 percent of their passes, per ESPN's Field Yates.

Hindsight is always 20/20, but the Browns must be kicking themselves for trading QB Joshua Dobbs to the Cardinals in August for just a fifth-round pick. At the trade deadline, Arizona dealt him to Minnesota, where he has played well and led the Vikings to two straight wins.

With limited options at QB, Cleveland must rely on its stout defense, which ranks first in yards allowed (242.7) and passing yards allowed (151.1), fourth in points allowed (16.9), tied for fourth in sacks (30) and tied for fifth in interceptions (nine).

However, the Browns' chances of winning the division and making the postseason have fallen dramatically in a competitive AFC North. Never say never, but it will certainly be an uphill battle for the rest of the season.

As for Watson, Cleveland is left with several questions that won't be answered until 2024. After signing him to a five-year, $230M fully guaranteed contract, he has played a combined 12 games over two seasons, earning $92M ($7.7M per game), per ESPN Stats & Info.