Browns-49ers Spread Shifts Notably, Amidst Deshaun Watson Uncertainty

As the saying goes, Vegas always knows. And as the Cleveland Browns navigate the mysterious situation surrounding Deshaun Watson's shoulder injury – now being called a rotator cuff contusion – Vegas may know more than the team has shared publicly.

The Browns welcome the San Francisco 49ers to Cleveland Browns Stadium on Sunday, and the 5-0 49ers initially opened up at a three point favorite to start the week. However, as news of Watson's status being unclear was unfurled on Tuesday, the line has shifted even more heavily toward Kyle Shanahan's squad.

According to the SI Sportsbook, the Browns are now considered -5.5 point underdogs on their home turf this weekend. That figure is the second largest spread for a home underdog for Week Six, behind the New York Jets (+7.5) who host the defending NFC Champion Philadephia Eagles.

Reports suggest that if Watson can't go, the Browns are likely to start former XFL quarterback, PJ Walker, rather than rookie Dorian Thompson Robinson, who had a rough go filling in for Watson two weeks back in that 28-3 loss to the Baltimore Ravens.

Organization leaders, notably general manager Andrew Berry and head coach Kevin Stefanski, have continued to reiterate that there is no structural damage to Watson's throwing shoulder. Still, his absence from the team's outdoor practice on Monday, particularly coming off of a bye week, raised some red flags.

Wednesday should provide more clarity – or perhaps concern – regarding the situation, as the team will return to the practice field and release their first iteration of the Week Six injury report.