Both the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns are 6-3 heading into a huge game in northeast Ohio this Sunday. Depending on the winner of the Ravens and Bengals game Thursday night, this game could be played for first place in the AFC North.

The expectation was a highly contested game, with many believing the Browns held the advantage with the Steelers’ offense, mainly the passing attack, struggling to get off the ground. Nonetheless, on Wednesday the upcoming game took a crazy turn with the Browns announcing quarterback Deshaun Watson will undergo season-ending shoulder surgery on his throwing arm.

Deshaun Watson will undergo season-ending surgery on a broken bone in his throwing shoulder. pic.twitter.com/W79ku2xzND

— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) November 15, 2023

With that news it seemed as if it would be another start for P.J. Walker. Walker filled in for Watson when he was banged up earlier this season, but it is now being reported the Browns will turn to rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson, not Walker, as the starter vs. the Steelers on Sunday.

This per Jordan Schultz:

The #Browns are planning to start rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson at QB this week vs the #Steelers, barring a last-minute change of heart, sources tell @BleacherReport.

PJ Walker would be DTR’s backup.

The team announced earlier this morning that Deshaun Watson will undergo… pic.twitter.com/UtZf518U1W

— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) November 15, 2023

The Steelers defense will have to stop the running game, anchored by Kareem Hunt, and force the game into DTR’s hands. So far this season, when this has happened it has been proven effective. For the Steelers defense, getting Minkah Fitzpatrick back in the fold could be the perfect elixir for the Pittsburgh pass defense going against a rookie quarterback.

Be sure to stay tuned to SCN for the latest news and notes surrounding the Steelers as they prepare for the Browns this Sunday in Week 11.