Deshaun Watson Could be Inactive When the 49ers Face the Browns

Watson was missing in action for practice on Wednesday as he deals with a shoulder injury.

The San Francisco 49ers might be catching a break.

Cleveland Browns starting quarterback Deshaun Watson could be inactive when the 49ers face them in Week 6. Watson was missing in action for practice on Wednesday as he deals with a shoulder injury.

This shoulder has been nagging Watson for a couple of weeks now. He missed the Browns' last game in Week 4 before they went on their bye week. Should Watson not be available, then the Browns will turn to backup P.J. Walker who was most recently with the Carolina Panthers last season. The Browns had started rookie Dorian Thompson-Green in Watson's stead back in Week 4, so this time they are going for the veteran approach. 

The fact that Watson missed practice on Wednesday after taking some time off already likely means he isn't going to play when the 49ers come to town. While it is just one practice missed with two more to go, Watson hasn't shown any signs of trending in the right direction. If he misses the Browns' Thursday practice, then it is pretty safe to say he will not be playing the 49ers. Still, the 49ers will be preparing as if they will face him.

"We’ve got to be ready for all of them," said Kyle Shanahan. "We know they like to run the ball. We know their quarterbacks can make plays. No, we'll be ready for all three though.”

Watson being inactive would make facing the Browns a bit of an easier matchup. So, the 49ers will have back-to-back weeks where the game will be easier. In Week 7 versus the Minnesota Vikings, the 49ers will not have to worry about the best receiver in the NFL in Justin Jefferson who is now on Injured Reserve.

However, unlike the matchup with the Vikings, the real threat facing the Browns was never with their offense. It is the defense that is bound to give the 49ers fits. Luckily, they got a warmup in facing a strong defense in the Dallas Cowboys. The Browns are a better defensive unit than the Cowboys, so the 49ers could be in for a bit of a dogfight when they take the field in Cleveland.