Coach keeps QB Deshaun Watson on sideline as Browns upend Colts: 'I wanted to protect him'

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson, who returned from a two-game absence because of a shoulder injury, exited Sunday’s game against the Indianapolis Colts after hitting the back of his head following a tackle. 

Watson cleared concussion protocol when he was evaluated on the field in the first half, but Browns coach Kevin Stefanski decided Watson would be better off from the sidelines for the rest of the game.

Backup quarterback P.J. Walker came on in relief to help the Browns beat the Colts 39-38 in a thriller at Lucas Oil Stadium, with running back Kareem Hunt scoring the game-winning touchdown on a 1-yard run with 15 seconds remaining.

“My job to make tough decisions. I just wanted to protect him,” Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said of Watson after the game. "I did not want to see him get hit. He was hit hard. I know he cleared all that, but I wanted to protect him.”

Stefanski said Watson would be evaluated further before the Browns’ next game on the road against the Seattle Seahawks on Oct. 29.

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“If everything clears and he’s ready to roll, he’ll be our starter,” Stefanski said of Watson.

Watson rolled out to extend a play and was pushed down by Colts defensive lineman Dayo Odeyingbo. It appeared the back of Watson’s head hit the field. 

Watson was tended to by trainers, while laying on his back on the field immediately after the play. He walked off the field on his own power and was evaluated in the Browns’ medical tent on the sideline.

Watson nearly threw his second interception of the game on the play, but an official review determined Colts defensive back Kenny Moore II trapped the ball rather than making a catch. 

Watson completed 1 of 5 passes for 5 yards with an interception against the Colts.

Despite being sidelined, Watson was not ruled out, so he could have returned in case Walker was injured, Stefanski confirmed after the game. Third-string Browns quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson was declared inactive before the game.

Watson was cleared to play this week after missing his previous two games. His rotator cuff was strained, hindering his ability to make downfield passes, which improved before the Colts game. 

Watson signed a fully guaranteed $230 million contract with the Browns in 2022.