Why Browns are in deep trouble if Deshaun Watson is sidelined again

The Cleveland Browns had hoped that after their Week 5 bye, QB Deshaun Watson — who missed a Week 4 game against the Baltimore Ravens with a shoulder injury — would be ready to return. However, head coach Kevin Stefanski doesn't seem confident his quarterback will play in Week 6.

Per Browns beat writer Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer, Stefanski said Watson is "day-to-day" after not practicing Monday as "part of his rehab."

"He's ... working hard, getting better," Stefanski said.

Cleveland (2-2), which is third in the AFC North, is at a pivotal point in its season. On Sunday in Cleveland, the Browns face the San Francisco 49ers (5-0), the NFL's best team. 

In a 28-3 loss in Week 4 against Baltimore, the offense — led by rookie QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson — gained only 166 yards.

Watson was medically cleared to play against Baltimore, but he sat anyway. It was surprising decision by a player who signed a fully guaranteed, five-year contract for $230 million last year.

ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter thinks Stefanski is just being coy with the media regarding Watson's status.

"I'd be surprised if he doesn't bounce back and play this week," Schefter said on "The Pat McAfee Show." "I think with the week off, it sets him up to be back out there. They need him back out there."

It could be that Stefanski wants the 49ers to prepare for both quarterbacks, but it's likely San Francisco will primarily game-plan for Watson anyway.

With Thompson-Robinson starting, Cleveland has no chance of beating the 49ers. Even with Watson at QB, the Browns' chances seem slim. 

The 49ers have allowed the second-fewest rushing yards per game (64.2), so having a solid passing game with the veteran Watson at the helm is essential for Cleveland. Dorian-Thompson threw for only 121 yards against Baltimore.

If Watson sits again, count on criticism of the team's signing of the controversial quarterback to reach a crescendo.