Browns HC shares encouraging Deshaun Watson update for Colts game

One day after Cleveland Browns offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt told reporters that quarterback Deshaun Watson would "make some throws" during practice, head coach Kevin Stefanski hinted Watson could start when the 3-2 Browns play at the 3-3 Indianapolis Colts this Sunday. 

"I want to see how he responds the next 48 hours, based on that full workload that he just got," Stefanski said after Watson was a full participant in Friday’s practice, per Myles Simmons of Pro Football Talk. "But he looked good today."

Watson missed the Week 4 loss to the Baltimore Ravens and last Sunday's home win over the San Francisco 49ers that occurred after Cleveland's bye due to a strained right rotator cuff also being called a "micro-tear." The Browns officially listed the 28-year-old as "questionable" for this Sunday's matchup, and Stefanski suggested he could tweak his game plan if Watson starts at Lucas Oil Stadium.

"We go into every game looking at what plays give us an advantage and where we go," Stefanski explained. "His ability to move is a big part of his game and will always continue to be. And we’ll call it accordingly. But you just look around the league, you’re going to have to make plays with your feet."

According to ESPN stats, Watson enters the weekend ranked 21st in the league among qualified players with a 46.7 adjusted QBR and 22nd with a 63.7% completion percentage on the season. He recorded four touchdown passes, two interceptions and 83 rushing yards across three contests before his injury. 

Backup P.J. Walker completed 18-of-34 pass attempts for 192 yards with no touchdowns and two interceptions against the 49ers and should be ready to start against the Colts in case it's determined as late as during pregame warmups that Watson can't go. Watson appeared on track to play against Baltimore on Oct. 1 until he was made inactive after he tossed passes shortly before that game. 

As of Friday afternoon, OddsChecker listed the Browns as three-point favorites against Indianapolis.