There’s excitement in Cleveland as the workweek draws to an end because Deshaun Watson looks ready to play without limitations for the first time in at least a month.
Prior to the Browns’ Week 9 game against the Arizona Cardinals, the quarterback for the Cleveland Browns has not been listed as injured, indicating that he would likely start again.
Many are surprised by Watson’s lack of designation, given that his situation has been discussed since Week 4.A shoulder injury suffered in the Browns’ Week 3 victory over the Tennessee Titans sidelined him for Week 4 and Week 6. He made a brief return in Week 7 but had to exit the game in the first quarter of the Browns’ win against the Indianapolis Colts.
Watson then sat out Week 8’s game against the Seattle Seahawks. During his absence, both rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson and veteran PJ Walker took turns starting at quarterback, with Walker assuming the bulk of the signal-calling responsibilities.
Cleveland’s loss in Week 8 highlighted a consensus among observers that the Browns needed a more reliable option under center than Walker if they aimed to contend for the AFC North title. Despite this, the Browns refrained from making a move at the quarterback position at the trade deadline, opting to send Donovan Peoples-Jones to Detroit instead.
In the lead-up to Sunday’s game, Watson participated in practice on both Wednesday and Thursday and addressed reporters following the latter session. His comments regarding his health remained somewhat vague, echoing the sentiment that his injured rotator cuff was improving gradually. He expressed optimism about his condition, saying, “I mean, it’s getting better each and every day. The arrow’s going up.
The process has been very, very good, and we’re just steady, just going day-to-day and just making sure that we’re doing everything we can to build that strength and everything.”
Watson’s shoulder issue has prompted intense scrutiny from local media, who closely monitor nuances such as the velocity of his practice throws, particularly after his passes appeared lacking in zip during his brief appearance against the Colts.
Nevertheless, any conclusive data on Watson’s throwing strength remains undisclosed, leaving questions unanswered.
The Browns have been silent during this process, so media outlets have had to rely on the Friday injury report and sparse practice observations to learn more about Watson’s status. Watson was expected to be classified as questionable, but the fact that he is not indicates that he is in the greatest possible form considering the nature of his first injury.
Deshaun Watson is scheduled to make his formal comeback on Sunday, so all eyes will be on him to demonstrate his actual level of health.
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