Browns Will Reportedly Turn To PJ Walker If Deshaun Watson Can't Play Sunday
Just ten days ago, DeShaun Watson was a true game-time decision and was medically cleared to play, but "functionally" he felt he was not strong enough to give the Browns a chance against the Ravens.
Fans everywhere figured the bye week would be enough time for the starting quarterback to heal for a pivotal Week 6 matchup. However, the saga continues and his status for Sunday appears to be in jeopardy.
This story will continue to develop as we learn more about the status of Watson's throwing shoulder. But if Watson is unable to go, a report surfaced that PJ Walker would get the starting nod this weekend instead of Dorian Thompson-Robinson.
You're not alone if you're unfamiliar with Walker - so let's get you up to speed!
Oct 1, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (right) watches quarterback PJ Walker (10) warm up before a game against the Baltimore Ravens at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
© David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
The 28-year-old Walker hails from Temple University where he was a four-year starter for the Owls. He stands at 5-foot-11 and weighs just over 200 pounds. You won't remember him from his college days, but you might recall his time in the XFL.
Walker was a true Cinderella story for the XFL's Houston Roughnecks. He started five games and made his mark in the COVID-shortened season.
The Roughnecks went 5-0 and he compiled some pretty solid stats:
- 1,338 Passing Yards
- 15 Passing Touchdowns
- 4 Interceptions
- 99 Rush Yards
- 104.4 Quarterback Rating
Feb 8, 2020; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Roughnecks quarterback P.J. Walker (11) attempts a pass during the first quarter against the Los Angeles Wildcats in a XFL football game at TDECU Stadium.
© Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
That was enough for him to be one of the few guys to get an opportunity to prove his worth at the NFL level. In 2020, the Carolina Panthers signed Walker to his first NFL contract.
Unfortunately, he did not fare as well in his three years in Carolina. From 2020 until 2022, he started a total of seven games and put together an up-and-down resumé:
- 4-3 Record
- 57.5 Completion Percentage
- 1,461 Passing Yards
- 5 Passing Touchdowns
- 11 Interceptions
- 63.9 Quarterback Rating
His best performance came in 2020 when the Panthers welcomed the Detroit Lions to Charlotte. In the 20-0 victory, he was 24-of-34 for 258 yards, a touchdown and two interceptions.
He has eclipsed 300 passing yards one time in his career. It came in a 37-34 loss to the Atlanta Falcons - you may remember the DJ Moore Helmet game.
Aug 13, 2022; Landover, Maryland, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback PJ Walker (11) scrambles against the Washington Commanders during the second half at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
© Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
It's also worth mentioning that Walker is currently on the Browns practice squad, so he'll need to be added to the 53-man roster if he's going to get the nod.
If the Browns turn the keys over to PJ Walker on Sunday, they will be looking for him to be a game manager. Don't turn the football over, be accurate, and keep the Browns within striking distance.
Easier said than done versus the 49ers, who look like the best team in the league through five weeks.
