CLEVELAND, Ohieshaun Watson of the Cleveland Browns practiced for the second day in a row on Thursday, and all indicators poino (AP) – Dt to him playing Sunday against Arizona after missing the majority of the month with a right shoulder injury.
Watson was the first Cleveland quarterback to participate in passing drills, indicating that the Browns (4-3) are preparing him for the Cardinals (1-7).
His passes were tight, on target, and thrown with similar velocity to what he shown in Wednesday’s indoor session. Watson looked just as terrific outside during the 20-minute media time on Thursday.
Watson has only started one of four games since hurting his throwing shoulder against Tennessee on September 24.
The Browns will see how his shoulder responds to a heavy workload before making any decisions about Sunday.
Watson wasn’t ready to proclaim his return to the field this weekend before he passed the eye test in practice.
“I’m not even sure, just following the medical protocols and we’ll just go from there,” Watson said. “It’s part of the process. It’s part of the protocols because you can’t cannot throw and then just go out there to try to play a game. So it’s just part of the process and we just take it day by day.”
Watson suffered a rotator cuff strain in the Titans game when he took a shot to the back of his shoulder on a running play. He has missed three games entirely and played just 12 snaps after starting at Indianapolis on Oct. 22 and falling on his shoulder.
Watson, who has been in only 10 of Cleveland’s 24 possible games after being acquired in a trade and signed a $230 million contract, admitted that rushing back to play against the Colts was a mistake.
While he and the team’s medical staff have had disagreements in the past, Watson claims they are now working together.
“We’ve all got to be on the same page,” he added. “I told the guys I’d be ready for Indianapolis the following week.” That was my choice, and I wasn’t prepared. I attempted to be a little too quick, and it didn’t work out.
“At the end of the day, you have to listen to the experts and everything they did.” It’s my first time dealing with it (a shoulder issue), so I’m keeping note of everything I’m doing and letting them know what’s going on and what, what’s good and what’s not good.”
Coach Kevin Stefanski of the Browns has not named a starter for this week. He’ll be available to media following Friday’s practice.
Stefanski did reveal that if Watson is unable to play, backup P.J. Walker will take his place. Despite Walker’s turnover issues — five interceptions and a fumble in three games — the Browns are 2-1 with him as their starting quarterback.
NOTES: Starting RT Dawand Jones (shoulder), LT Jedrick Wills Jr. (foot/ankle), and TE David Njoku (ankle) all returned to practice after missing the previous day. WR Marquise Goodwin (unknown) did not play. He had a wrap on his right leg the day before. Side work was performed by starting CB Greg Newsome II (groin), WR David Bell (knee), and DE Alex Wright (knee).
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