Team news: Cleveland Browns | Page 5

The Browns will start P.J. Walker if Deshaun Watson can’t play on Sunday, per a league source.

Related players: Dorian Thompson-Robinson

The Browns play the 49ers so the opponent could have everything to do with the team not wanting to play rookie Thompson-Robinson, who tossed three interceptions in his first start. Watson was reportedly cleared to play but said he wasn't ready in Week 4. It may not be a good sign for Watson's Week 6 status if the Browns are already making plans to turn to Walker. Watson's shoulder injury is considered to be short-term.

Browns Kevin Stefanski declined a chance to say he's optimistic that Deshaun Watson will face the #49ers on Sunday.

Related players: Dorian Thompson-Robinson

Stefanski added Watson is "day to day, working hard, getting better." Watson was reportedly cleared to play in Week 4 before the team's Week 5 bye, but Watson didn't feel he was ready to go. Thompson-Robinson would get the start if Watson is unable to play in Week 6. It's not a great matchup as the Brown return, they host the 49ers in an early Sunday game.

Browns tight end David Njoku played on Sunday despite suffering burns on his face and arm in a household accident.

On a mostly ugly day for the Browns’ offense, Njoku led the team with six catches for 46 yards. And he demonstrated his toughness to his coaches and teammates, who undoubtedly were impressed that he was playing through pain for his team, the story went on to say. The Browns have a bye in Week 5.

Browns RB Nick Chubb underwent successful surgery on his MCL but needs surgery on his ACL and should return at some point during the 2024 season.

The timeline is a little longer than originally thought. A previous report said there was little damage to the ACL and that Chubb's return could be in 6-8 months. It turned out the ACL does need repair and that surgery will come "in the coming months". Chubb should return at some point during the 2024 season but may not be ready for the start of the season. Chubb will be 28 years old entering the 2024 season and coming off a major injury, so he probably won't be a high pick in 2024 drafts next summer. But he will at least play, which is good news.

Browns TE David Njoku is now questionable for Sunday's game against the Ravens following a fire pit injury in his backyard.

Njoku was lighting a fire pit in his backyard and suffered burn injuries to his face and arm. The good news is that Njoku is ok, per his agent. We're very glad to hear a positive update on what could have been an unfortunate incident for Njoku. We'll see if he plays Sunday, but the important thing is he is ok physically.

Deshaun Watson has been limited on the injury report this week with a right shoulder issue. Cleveland’s backup QB is rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson. They face Baltimore on Sunday.

The corresponding tweet mentioned that Watson threw two passes at Friday practice open to the media. In typical redraft leagues, it's heavily suggested to look for a better Week 4 option.

It will continue to be Jameis Winston's show in New Orleans until Derek Carr is able to return. As it stands, Carr is considered week-to-week with a sprained AC joint suffered during the Saints' Week 3 loss to the Packers. Carr pledged on Wednesday he wouldn't return until he's capable of performing at his expected level.

Carr can safely be dropped in all formats.

The Browns have signed TE Devin Asiasi and RB Deon Jackson to the practice squad Tuesday.

Related players: Kareem Hunt, Jerome Ford, Pierre Strong Jr.

Jackson struggled this year with the Colts before eventually getting released. He flashed last season filling in for Jonathan Taylor but now finds himself on the Browns practice squad as the team looks to build up running back depth to replace Nick Chubb. With Jackson on the practice squad, for now the team's top-three backs remain Ford, Hunt and Strong.

Derek Carr has a sprained AC joint and is week to week.

Related players: Jameis Winston

This was the assumed news once we found out the injury wasn't as bad as it could have been. Carr continues to feel better according to other reports. While Carr hasn't been ruled out for Week 4, odds wouldn't seem to favor him to be able to go against the Bucs. It's an early matchup in Week 4, so Carr owners will know in advance if they need to find another option at QB.

Browns RB Nick Chubb is believed to have only suffered a torn MCL during Monday’s game against the Steelers.

With how the injury looked, this feels like incredible news that he only has one torn ligament instead of three or even all four. His recovery time is expected to be about 6-8 months, which could have him back for minicamp and he very well could be ready for training camp. That’s about the best news we could have gotten from Chubb. For now, it will be Jerome Ford leading the charge in Cleveland’s backfield with Kareem Hunt tagging along.