A positive update on where Deshaun Watson stands with throwing the football following shoulder surgery

The 2024 season for the Cleveland Browns in the end is going to come down to whether or not Deshaun Watson can return to the form they hoped to get when the trade was made.

Watson had off-season surgery on the injured shoulder and is prepared to start Week 1 at home against the Dallas Cowboys.

Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland Dot Com provided a positive update on Watson and where he stands with his throwing in the month of May.

“Watson is throwing with his normal velocity and range coming off the fractured socket and partially torn labrum, and everyone is optimistic about his on-schedule recovery,” said Cabot. “The encouraging thing for the Browns and for Watson is that he feels great and the ball is coming out well. The bottom line is that he’s still 100% on track to start the season Sept. 8 against the Cowboys.”

Watson only played in six games last season and did not play past Week 10. His final game was a gutsy win over the Baltimore Ravens. Watson has played in 12 of a possible 34 total games when you factor in the 11-game suspension after the trade happened. 

Cleveland believes they have a championship-level defense and the prices on the roster to compete for one. The coaching staff and front office is entering year No. 5 on the job. If Cleveland wants to compete for it all it is going to take a healthy Watson, and one that came at least somewhat recover the level of play he had pre-2020.

Playing a full season for the Browns would be a step in the right direction. Watson has not done so since the 2020 season before the Texans traded him. 

The Browns won’t rush Watson and his healing process. He is throwing with velocity, so that is a good sign that he will soon be able to make all of the throws around the field. By training camp, we should see Watson out there and taking the starter reps. The Browns have Jameis Winston, Dorian Thompson-Robinson, and Tyler Huntley to have reps in the meantime.

A positive update on Watson, who the Browns need to see take a step forward in 2024 and this is a part of that process playing out.