A 49ers-Deshaun Watson matchup appears increasingly unlikely

The San Francisco 49ers have never faced Deshaun Watson, and it looks unlikely Kyle Shanahan's unbeaten team will do so during Sunday's Week 6 game with the Cleveland Browns. Cleveland's quarterback missed the Week 4 clash with the Baltimore Ravens because of a rotator cuff injury. The Browns had a bye in Week 5 but […]

Add as preferred source on Google
Oct 1, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) watches from the sidelines during the first half against the Baltimore Ravens at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

The San Francisco 49ers have never faced Deshaun Watson, and it looks unlikely Kyle Shanahan's unbeaten team will do so during Sunday's Week 6 game with the Cleveland Browns.

Cleveland's quarterback missed the Week 4 clash with the Baltimore Ravens because of a rotator cuff injury. The Browns had a bye in Week 5 but the problem has still not fully healed, and Watson did not practice on Wednesday.

Rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson started in the 28-3 defeat to the Ravens, however, Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski has indicated that practice squad quarterback P.J. Walker will likely start against the Niners if Watson cannot play.

"Just felt like it was the right decision for the team,” Stefanski said in his Wednesday press conference. 

"I think PJ’s been here now for a month-plus, getting a better understanding of what we do. But just felt like it was the right decision for the team."

The 49ers faced Walker, briefly, last season. He played six snaps for the Carolina Panthers during the Niners' 37-15 win in Charlotte in Week 5 of the 2022 campaign.