Kevin Stefanski - Deshaun Watson remains 'the leader' of Browns - ESPN

INDIANAPOLIS — Cleveland Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said Monday that Deshaun Watson remains «the leader» of the team even after the quarterback was removed from Sunday's game against the Indianapolis Colts.

«I'm always going to be protective of my players, especially at the quarterback position,» Stefanski said. «Just felt like the right thing in that moment was to hold him out of that game.»

Watson exited in the first quarter after taking a hit from Colts defensive end Dayo Odeyingbo. Watson cleared concussion protocol, but Stefanski opted to go with backup PJ Walker the rest of the game. For the second straight week, Walker led the Browns on a game-winning scoring drive, as Cleveland (4-2) came back to defeat the Colts 39-38.

Watson had completed only 1 of 5 passes for five yards with an interception when he left.

He had missed Cleveland's previous two games with a rotator cuff strain in his right, throwing shoulder. After the game Sunday, Watson said he wasn't sure if he re-injured the shoulder. Stefanski said Monday the Browns were still «gathering information» on it.

Stefanski would not say whether the Browns are considering putting Watson on injured reserve, which would open up a roster spot but force Watson to miss at least the next four games.

«He's getting better,» Stefanski said, «he's a competitive kid, he's working hard.»

Walker completed 15-of-32 passes for 178 yards and an interception. He led the Browns on the 12-play, 80-yard drive, which was capped by a one-yard touchdown run by Kareem Hunt with 15 seconds remaining.

«They felt like the decision was best to let PJ go in and finish the game,» Watson said afterward. «PJ did a great job.»

Stefanski said Sunday that Watson is «our starter moving forward,»