The Cleveland Browns are back in action this week following their bye. With the juggernaut San Francisco 49ers on tap, Cleveland will need to maximize its active gameday spots to have a shot at the upset.
Unfortunately, a few players won't make the cut due to performance or injuries. Here are the five Browns who are most likely to be inactive in Week 6.
Browns Inactives Prediction Week 6 vs. 49ers
1. Deshaun Watson
The biggest topic around Cleveland this week centers on the health of quarterback Deshaun Watson. The former Pro Bowler is reportedly dealing with a rotator cuff contusion that sidelined him in Week 4 and is still bothering him after the bye.
With the overall sentiment around Watson incredibly low right now and the Browns already making changes to the depth chart behind him, it doesn't look good right now. Further adding to the pessimism is the fact he didn't practice on Wednesday, which puts him behind in preparation for the game against San Francisco.
From The Insiders on #NFLPlus: Where it all stands with #Browns QB Deshaun Watson, who is dealing with bruising around his rotator cuff and won't practice today. pic.twitter.com/QLLHJCBDDT
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 11, 2023
Kevin Stefanski already revealed that practice squad QB P.J. Walker has been promoted to the main backup role in Week 6, which bumps down rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson to No. 3. Considering DTR's struggles in his first career start, it's clear that the promising UCLA product still has a ways to go before he's ready to execute at a high level in the pros.
Watson's early injury indications point to Walker making the eighth start of his career. He previously went 4-3 with the Carolina Panthers from 2020-2022. A quick turnaround from practice squad to possible starter along with a matchup against a ravenous 49ers defense doesn't put the former XFL standout in an amazing position to succeed, though.
2. Isaiah McGuire & 3. Siaki Ika
Cleveland's offense has had its fair share of issues at a number of key positions. The same can't quite be said for the other side of the ball, however, especially in the trenches.
Defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz continues to work his magic with this unit. Myles Garrett is leading the charge and making an early case for Defensive Player of the Year with his 5.5 sacks and 1 forced fumble. Meanwhile, new arrival Ogbo Okornokwo (2.5 sacks, 5 tackles for loss) has made an immediate impact to start his Browns tenure.
While Dalvin Tomlinson (0.5 sacks) and Za'Darius Smith (1 TFL) haven't produced much yet, depth options like Alex Wright (1 sack, 1 TFL), Shelby Harris (0.5 sacks, 2 TFL) and Maurice Hurst II (0.5 sacks, 1 TFL, 1 fumble recovery) have made some nice contributions.
This unit is full of talent, and that's made it incredibly difficult for youngsters Isaiah McGuire and Siaki Ika to see the field. These 2023 draft picks simply don't give the team the best chance to win right now with so many experienced veterans in front of them.
Plus, with Cleveland's offense underperforming and shorthanded, the pressure's even higher on Schwartz's group. He can't afford to get cute by seeing what Ika or McGuire could contribute for the fun of it. As a result, both guys are easy choices to ride the pine in favor of adding depth elsewhere.
4. Kahlef Hailassie & 5. Ronnie Hickman
The secondary is another deep unit for the Browns where snaps are hard to come by for fringe contributors.
Injuries in the early part of the year opened up some playing time here, as Greg Newsome II and Juan Thornhill both missed a game in different weeks. That allowed cornerback Kahlef Hailassie and safety Ronnie Hickman to hear their numbers called to provide some depth at their respective units.
The CBs and saefties have no injuries to worry about coming out of the bye, though, which puts Hailassie and Hickman on the gameday chopping block.
This secondary's been one of the league's best to begin 2023 as the defense helps keep Cleveland in games. The Browns rank No. 1 in the NFL in opponent completions (14.3) and passing yards (125.0) per game, which is a testament to how well the likes of Denzel Ward, Grant Deplit and Martin Emerson Jr. have played in coverage.
Mike Ford and Rodney McLeord provide capable veteran options that can rotate in as necessary, making Hailassie and Hickman irrelevant at the moment.
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