Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson, who’s recovering from right shoulder surgery that ended his 2023 season, said Tuesday that he plans to participate in organized team activities on some level but that his focus is on training camp.
“I feel good. Really confident,” he said about the health of his shoulder. “Just making sure I don’t do anything extra to harm it. Doctors told me don’t rush back and I’ll be exactly where I want to be, even better than before.”
Watson had season-ending surgery on his throwing shoulder after suffering an injury in a win over the Baltimore Ravens. After the game, he told the Browns medical staff that he felt discomfort in his right shoulder after a hit in the first half.
An MRI the next day revealed a displaced fracture to the glenoid in his shoulder. An additional MRI also showed a high ankle sprain.
At the time, Watson was expected to fully recover by the start of the 2024 season. On Tuesday, the Browns quarterback was noncommittal about when exactly he’d be full go.
“The plan is to come back whenever they feel like and I feel like we’re ready,” he said. “There’s no timeline or date that I’m going to be 100 percent. Really dependent on each landmark we hit.”
Watson said he’s currently “throwing full speed” with no limitations in motion or velocity. He said some days he’s making 40 throws, some days 60.
“Right now, it’s about load management,” he said. “Not doing too much, even though I probably could (do more). Just staying on the right track.”
Watson is set to enter his third season with the Browns since being traded to Cleveland by the Houston Texans leading up to the 2022 season. Last year he played in six games, missing time with the right shoulder ailment. He finished the season throwing for 1,115 yards, seven touchdowns and four interceptions.
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