Cleveland $98.7 QB Deshaun Watson Blown Off 2024 Season Due To His Shoulder Injury Concerning…
The Cleveland Browns somehow went 11-6 and made the playoffs last season despite using five different quarterbacks, which is something they hope to not have to do again in 2024.
The path to avoiding that quarterback turnstile again is by making sure star QB Deshaun Watson is healthy and ready to go after recovering from the shoulder surgery that ended his 2023 season.
A new report by Jeff Schudel of The News-Herald detailed Watson’s progress, to which the QB stated, “The situation is good. We’re in a great spot, right where we need to be. We have plenty of time to ramp up the throwing sessions and things like that, but everything is going pretty smooth.”
It was clear throughout Watson’s first two seasons in Cleveland that he was not only knocking off some rust from his lengthy suspension, but eventually began nursing a shoulder injury that had him looking like a shell of the player who took over the league during his short time in Houston.
Watson did not go into specifics about how often he is throwing or at what distance, but Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski told reporters at the league meetings in Orlando that Watson could be on the field throwing to receivers at OTAs in May.
That’s probably the most encouraging update fans have gotten so far.
Watson shouldn’t push it, but it would benefit the team greatly if he was ready for OTAs and had time to get on the same page with his offense and his receivers, particularly newly-acquired WR Jerry Jeudy.
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Deshaun Watson provides injury update as Cleveland Browns quarterback steps up recovery
Deshaun Watson is back in action and throwing again after a season-ending shoulder surgery. The 28-year-old had to have an operation last November because he injured his right throwing shoulder during the Cleveland Browns’ game against the Baltimore Ravens.
Since being traded from the Houston Texans two years ago, Watson has only played 12 games. Joe Flacco, who led the Browns to the playoffs, isn’t coming back next season as he’s now with the Indianapolis Colts.
This means if Watson is fit and healthy, he’ll be starting the season. If not, Jameis Winston, who used to play for the New Orleans Saints, will step in after being signed in free agency.
Watson seems confident that he’ll be ready for Week 1. He said on the “QB Unplugged” podcast on Lockerverse: “The situation is good,” and “We’re in a great spot (and) right where we need to be.
We have plenty of time to ramp up the throwing sessions and things like that, but everything is going pretty smooth. As long as I’m feeling well and the doctors and [physical therapists] and everyone are on the same page, we’re in a good spot.”
The comments match what Andrew Berry, the general manager, said to reporters at the NFL meetings. “All the medical work that’s been done at this point in time, Deshaun’s recovery so far, it’s been really positive,” he mentioned. “We’re not anticipating any issues.”
Berry also said: “He’s doing a great job. He’s been working his tail off, obviously. He started throwing recently. He’s in a really good spot. We’re excited when he gets back here in the spring, and we will take it day by day, week by week. But we’re very optimistic on this progress.”
Kevin Stefanski, the head coach, is happy with Watson’s recovery too. “He’s right where he is supposed to be, so I’d anticipate that he’s throwing this spring with us,” he shared.
“We’ll see him in April, and we’ll just continue that rehab. I’ll stay out of it, and the doctors and trainers will tell me when he’s ready. I know he’s doing a great job.”
Stefanski believes Watson will get back to his best form. “I’ve seen it from Deshaun, we’ve seen it from Deshaun.”
“Don’t have to look very far or don’t have to look back too far. Look at that second half versus Baltimore. I mean, that’s as gutty a performance as it comes with what he’s able to accomplish on a bad ankle (Watson was later diagnosed with a high ankle sprain) with a bad shoulder.”
“Just the plays that he’s made for us over these years, I’ve seen it from him. So yeah, of course, keeping him healthy, keeping him on the field is really important. And he wants that too. He’s so competitive, so he’s really attacking this rehab so he’s ready to go ASAP.”