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Even with Deshaun Watson out, Browns WR Amari Cooper seems confident
Amari Cooper Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

Even with Deshaun Watson out, Browns WR Amari Cooper seems confident

The Browns may have their most difficult game of the season in Week 6 when they host the undefeated 49ers (5-0). To make matters worse, Cleveland QB Deshaun Watson won't play because of a shoulder injury, per Josina Anderson of CBS Sports. 

"This is my ninth year. I've been with a multitude of different quarterbacks, been in situations similar to this before," Cooper told reporters before the news about Watson surfaced Friday. "I don't really see much of a challenge. ... It's just the same. I go out there, create separation. I catch the ball. I do my job."

It's a bold statement for a player who had just one catch for 16 yards in Week 4 against the Ravens when Watson didn't play. 

Cleveland has since named PJ Walker as the backup quarterback after rookie QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson threw for just 121 yards and three interceptions in Watson's absence. Walker has thrown for 1,461 yards, five touchdowns and 11 interceptions in his career and probably will start Sunday.

With Watson out, the mystery of what's going on with him will only grow. He was medically cleared to play against Baltimore, but he sat anyway. ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter even said he believed Watson would "be back out there" this week.

Nonetheless, the Browns will need Cooper to stay true to his word against San Francisco as its defense has allowed the second-fewest rushing yards per game (64.2) in the league. The ninth-year wide receiver must do everything he can to help Walker find success in the passing game.

Cleveland (2-2), which is third in the AFC North, must find a way to win a pivotal matchup without its $230 million quarterback.

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