Andrew Buller-Russ
In March of 2022, the Cleveland Browns made the biggest trade in franchise history, parting with three first-round picks to win the Deshaun Watson sweepstakes. After decades of futility, the Browns felt like they finally solved their QB woes and instantly signed the three-time Pro Bowl QB to a five-year, fully guaranteed $230 million contract extension. It was the largest contract in NFL history, along with being the largest amount of contract guarantees ever issued.
Watson was suspended 11 games last season due to what the NFL tabbed as “egregious and predatory behavior.” But once he returned, Watson was not the same version who looked like an early MVP candidate during his Houston Texans career. He’d finish with by far the lowest completion rate of his career at 58.2 percent while leading the Browns to a .500 record at 3-3.
But that was last year, and it’s fair to understand that Watson may have been a bit rusty after nearly two full seasons away from facing NFL competition. Heading into a new season, where he had all offseason to build chemistry and work on his timing with his receivers while diving into the playbook, the expectations were that we’d see a much-improved version of the now Browns QB.
Yet, Watson’s season has once again been marred by absences, only this time it’s due to injury. In Week 3, Watson had arguably the best game of his Browns career, but by Week 4, he was out of the lineup due to what’s been described as a shoulder injury.
However, the odd part here is that Watson was actually cleared to play in Week 4’s 28-3 loss to Baltimore, a crucial game involving an AFC North rival, yet for whatever reason, Watson didn’t play. This was after telling the media that he’d be playing.
Now we’re in Week 6, and the assumption was that Watson, since he’d been able to practice leading up to Week 4, and was cleared to play, would return to the starting lineup after getting an extra week off due to the team’s bye. Yet, the Browns announced on Friday that it would be P.J. Walker under center on Sunday, with Watson once again expected to be inactive on game day.
Naturally, everyone wants to know what’s going on with the Browns’ franchise QB, especially heading into another big matchup against the undefeated San Francisco 49ers.
Related: NFL insiders expect Denver Broncos to trade Jerry Jeudy; Six potential trade fits
Kevin Stefanski responds to Deshaun Watson criticism
On Friday, head coach Kevin Stefanski finally addressed the elephant in the room, opening up about what’s been going on with his QB.
“He’s making progress. He’s working very, very hard. But just wasn’t ready to get to the level where he could practice and be effective just yet. But he’s making progress. He wants very, very badly to play. But you have to treat the injury. You have to be smart about what you’re doing. I know what he’s made of. I know how badly he wants to be out there. I know how badly he wants to compete. I’ve seen him play through injuries. He’s a very tough individual. So, he’s pushing through it. He’s going to be out there as soon as he’s ready.”
Cleveland Browns coach Kevin Stefanski on Deshaun Watson
While there is no structural damage to Watson’s shoulder and he’s not expected to require surgery, he is reportedly dealing with a bruise.
Watson remains without a timetable to return, but the Browns still view his status as day-to-day, leaving open the possibility for a Week 7 return when Cleveland faces the Indianapolis Colts on Oct. 22. If Watson plays then, he’ll be doing so on nearly a full month’s rest, after his last appearance came on Sept. 24.
Related: See where Deshaun Watson lands in Sportsnaut’s NFL QB rankings
