CLEVELAND (AP) — Deshaun Watson’s season ended earlier this month. His rehabilitation from shoulder surgery is well underway.
Watson returned to Cleveland on Saturday after spending weeks in Los Angeles rehabbing his surgically repaired right shoulder. He hosted a Christmas event for 300 children while his teammates were flying to Houston.
Watson’s right arm is still in a sling following the Nov. 21 operation to repair his broken glenoid bone. Before his second season with the Browns was cut short, the 28-year-old made six starts.
“Everything is right on track,” Watson said. “Well, everything has gone exactly as planned over the last month, and the shoulder is feeling fantastic.” So I’m just going to keep working on it one day at a time and see where it takes me.”
While Watson has been away, the Browns (9-5) have managed to stay in the AFC playoff race despite a slew of key player injuries since the season began.
With a win over the Texans (8-6) on Sunday, they will be one step closer to their first postseason appearance since 2002.
Watson admitted that watching from afar has been difficult.
“It’s always tough just to be away from teammates and just the game of football,” he told reporters. “You put in so much effort to be a part of it. At the same time, injuries occur, and you must be prepared to deal with the consequences.
“But I’m very supportive, and the guys got to keep rolling because they’re on fire right now.”
Watson was injured in the first half of a game against Baltimore on November 12. Despite his pain, he completed all 14 passes after halftime to help the Browns beat the Ravens. An MRI later revealed the shoulder fracture.
Watson is expected to be ready for the start of next season, according to the Browns. Meanwhile, he’s doing what he’s told.
“It’s all in the doctor’s hands,” he declared. “I’ll get out of it whenever they tell me I can get the sling out.” Until then, I’ll simply follow all of the rules and precautions they impose on me.”
Watson stayed in Los Angeles after the surgery and was able to spend time with the Browns during their week in Southern California leading up to their game against the Rams on December 3. He’s excited to return to the facility next wee
“I’m always excited to be around my brothers and my teammates and see those guys work and I’m going to be right there with them and supporting them and just keep pushing forward,” he told reporters.
Browns coach Kevin Stefanski stated on Friday that he has spoken with Watson.
“He’s living and dying from Los Angeles watching us play,” Stefanski explained. “But he’s supporting his teammates every day, so will be good to have him back in person.”
Watson has only appeared in 12 of 34 possible games since joining the Browns, who acquired him in a contentious trade from Houston last year and signed him to a $230 million fully guaranteed contract.
After more than two dozen women accused him of sexual harassment and assault during massage therapy sessions, the NFL suspended him for 11 games in 2022 for violating the league’s personal conduct policy.
Since Watson’s injury, the Browns have gone 3-2 and are now on their fourth quarterback, 38-year-old Joe Flacco. Since being signed as a free agent by Cleveland on Nov. 20, the former Super Bowl MVP has thrown for 939 yards in three starts.
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