The Cleveland Browns lacked consistency at the quarterback position a season ago, which ultimately held back their potential when it came to the postseason. And with that in mind, perhaps their biggest talking point ahead of the upcoming 2024-25 season is the healthy of star quarterback Deshaun Watson.
Watson played in just six games this past season after suffering a season-ending shoulder injury. From there, the likes of Dorian Thompson-Robinson, P.J. Walker, and Joe Flacco all had moments as the team’s starter.
It is crucial that Watson is able to perform well and stay on the field if the Browns are going to be contenders in the AFC this year. And according to Watson, it sounds like his recovery process is going according to plan.
Watson spoke with The Athletic’s Zac Jackson on Tuesday, revealing that he has begun to throw full-speed without any limitations. He reportedly plans to be ready for offseason OTA’s next month on “some level”, but it ultimately focused on preparing to be ready for training camp.
Watson said he's "throwing full speed," no limitations with motion or velocity. Said some days he's making 40 throws, some 60, and following doctors' lead. Said "the plan" is to participate in OTAs (late May/early June) on some level but the focus is on training camp.
— Zac Jackson (@AkronJackson) April 16, 2024
Watson has obviously shown in the past that he can thrive in the right circumstances but hasn’t quite been able to do so yet in Cleveland.
If Watson can get back to being the player who made three consecutive Pro Bowl appearances with the Houston Texans, the Browns should have no problem being instant contenders in the AFC.
Being healthy will go a long way in making that possibility a reality, so this is obviously excellent news if you are a Browns fan.
About Reice Shipley
Reice Shipley is a staff writer for Comeback Media that graduated from Ithaca College with a degree in Sports Media. He previously worked at Barrett Sports Media and is a fan of all things Syracuse sports.