Browns' Watson: 'If I don't have to run, I'm not going to run'
Deshaun Watson doesn't believe that more designed quarterback runs will spark the Cleveland Browns' offense.
"I'm not going in there to ask them for more designed runs. ... If I don't have to run, I'm not going to run," Watson said Wednesday, according to ESPN's Daniel Oyefusi. "I'm not trying to take any hits. ... I'm not a running quarterback, in a sense. I can make things happen, but I'm not trying to run.
"I'm not a running back. It's not my specialty. They signed me to throw the ball, make decisions and be a quarterback, not a runner."
Watson established himself as a dual-threat passer after entering the league in 2017. The Clemson product ran for over 400 yards in every season from 2018 through 2020, posting 1,677 rushing yards during his tenure with the Houston Texans from 2017-21.
The three-time Pro Bowler's rushing yardage has declined since he was acquired by Cleveland in March 2022, though. Watson has combined for 317 yards on the ground over the past two campaigns and hasn't surpassed 50 rushing yards in a game since Week 9 in 2020.
The Browns' rushing attack ranks 24th in the league, averaging 95.7 yards per game. The team averages 3.8 yards per play, the second-worst rate in the league. Cleveland is without star running back Nick Chubb, who was placed on the PUP list in August as he continues to rehab the knee injury that ended his 2023 season.
Watson did admit that designed QB runs help out the Browns' run game. But considering his 2023 season ended after Week 10 due to a shoulder injury, he thinks the proposition would be a "lose-lose situation" for head coach Kevin Stefanski.
"I won't say that it won't help out the offense as far as just a run game," Watson said. "But coming back from (shoulder surgery), I don't think that is high priority for (coach Kevin Stefanski) to put me in that situation."
Watson is 27th among quarterbacks with a 71.4 passer rating. He's thrown for 551 yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions to begin his 2024 campaign.
Injuries on the offensive line have complicated matters for Watson and the Browns' offense. Cleveland placed offensive guard Wyatt Teller (sprained MCL) on injured reserve. Offensive tackles Jack Conklin (hamstring) and Jedrick Wills Jr. (knee) missed practice Wednesday with their respective ailments and, if they don't play, Watson could be vulnerable against the Las Vegas Raiders' defense. The Browns signal-caller has been sacked a league-high 16 times through three games.
The Browns (1-2) will play the Raiders (1-2) on Sunday.