Deshaun Watson shares encouraging update on rehab from shoulder surgery

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson has good news about his recovery from his shoulder surgery. Watson talked about his injured shoulder on his QB Unplugged podcast with quarterback coach Quincy Avery.

“The situation is good,” Watson said, per The News-Herald. “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.

“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.”

In November, Watson suffered a shoulder fracture in the game against the Baltimore Ravens. He missed the rest of the 2023 season and quickly had surgery on the shoulder. Last week, Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said Watson is on track to be with the team next month when they begin offseason workouts.

“He’s right where he is supposed to be, so I’d anticipate that he’s throwing this spring with us,” Stefanski said. “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.”

Deshaun Watson enters big year with Cleveland Browns

Watson is entering the third year of the five-year contract he signed with the Browns in March 2022 after the team acquired him from the Houston Texans via trade. In his two seasons with the Browns, Watson has played in just 12 games due to injuries and suspensions.

When Watson suffered the shoulder injury, the Browns went to Joe Flacco to be their starting QB. It turned out to be a good decision for the Browns as Flacco went 4-1 in his five starts and helped the team reach the playoffs. Before the Super Bowl in February, Flacco was named Comeback Player of the Year since he was at home before he got the call from the Browns.

“Joe Flacco, from the couch into the starting lineup,” Stefanski said at the time.  “It was fun for me to watch and I had a pretty good view of it all. What he was able to do on the field and off the field was really remarkable and I’m so proud of Joe.”

The Browns will not have Flacco from the 2024 season as he recently signed with the Indianapolis Colts. But Cleveland seems confident that Watson can remain healthy and get the team in a position to compete for a Super Bowl.