The Cleveland Browns have provided a major injury update on Pro Bowl quarterback Deshaun Watson, who was a limited participant in practice on Wednesday.
Per Kelsey Russo of the Browns’ official team website, Deshaun Watson fully participated in practice on Thursday after dealing with what they’re calling “general arm soreness.” Russo added that Watson “took his normal full complement of reps with the first team.”
The Browns wrap up preseason play with a road game against the Seattle Seahawks on Saturday (10:00 p.m. EST). After that, they’ll get a 15-day break before opening the 2024 season with a home tilt against the Dallas Cowboys.
Cleveland’s home opener also marks the debut of Tom Brady as an NFL analyst on FOX Sports. The seven-time Super Bowl champion is beginning year one of a 10-year, $375 million contract he signed with the network in 2022 ahead of his final NFL season.
Deshaun Watson’s first seven years in the league compared to Tom Brady’s 👀
Can Watson have a similar career to Brady? pic.twitter.com/m0lH2MRY8C
— BrownsMuse (@CleBrownsMuse) August 21, 2024
The Browns acquired Deshaun Watson in a trade with the Houston Texans two years ago then handed him a five-year extension worth a fully guaranteed $230 million. Watson was suspended for the first 11 games of 2022 because of sexual misconduct allegations against two dozen women, and he struggled considerably following his return to the field.
Watson was limited to six games last season before suffering a shoulder injury that required season-ending surgery. Backup QB Joe Flacco took over the offense in December and led the Browns to a surprise 11-win season and playoff appearance, where they fell to the Houston Texans in the Wild Card Round.
Deshaun Watson Enters Pivotal Year With Browns
Watson has suited up in 12 games for the Browns over the last two years, and his play has left a lot to be desired. The 2017 first-round pick has an 8-4-0 record but has completed only 59.8 percent of pass attempts for 14 touchdowns and nine interceptions with a lackluster passer rating of 81.7.
If Watson can’t find any consistency, or if he suffers another injury, the Browns will have to consider the idea of moving on from him after just three years. Perhaps no player is facing more pressure to perform in 2024 than the Cleveland signal-caller.
