01 April 2024 , 01:00
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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."
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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.
Watson sustained the injury during Cleveland's win against the Baltimore Ravens (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)"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."