Cleveland Browns QB Deshaun Watson can’t set a timetable for return

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Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson is still unable to practice because of a bruised rotator cuff in his throwing shoulder, an injury that has kept him out of two games and possibly more.

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Watson spoke Wednesday for the first time since Sept. 27. The three-time Pro Bowl quarterback confirmed that he is dealing with a “severe” right shoulder injury and said it is impossible to estimate when he will be back on the field.

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“I mean, it could be any day,” Watson said. “It could be tomorrow, it could be Sunday, it could be in two weeks. I’m not even sure. It’s day by day and I’m following the steps of the medical team and when that time is right I’ll go out.

“I can’t put a timetable on anything right now.”

Watson was forced to sit out Cleveland’s games before and after the team’s bye week due to an injury he suffered on a running play against Tennessee on September 24.

If he can’t play in Indianapolis this week, PJ Walker will start against the Colts (3-3).

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Coach Kevin Stefanski said he wasn’t ready to rule out Watson this week.

The Browns are 1-1 without Watson since rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson started a 28-3 loss to Baltimore on Oct. 1, and Walker, who was on the practice squad until a few days ago, helped the Browns beat previously undefeated San to shock Francisco 49ers 19-17 on Sunday.

The 28-year-old Watson was expected to play against the Ravens, but during a pregame practice session he was unable to complete any passes beyond a few yards. The decision to sit him led to some confusion as to whether Watson or the Browns made the decision.

“It’s a tricky business,” Watson said. “You have to take that baseball approach and talk to some people who struggle with rotator cuffs more often. So that’s what we did, just trying to strengthen that muscle and everything around it so we could feel good again.”

Last week, Watson remained at the facility to rehabilitate his bruised rotator cuff.

Before he got injured, Watson was having his best game since signing a $230 million contract with Cleveland last year. He completed 27 of 33 passes for 289 yards and two touchdowns in the Browns’ 27-3 victory over the Titans.

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