Deshaun Watson delivered his first message since returning to practice with the Cleveland Browns.
Watson has been sidelined for more than a year with Achilles injuries. He’s had two surgeries, the latest in January. It’s been a long road, and on Wednesday, the Browns officially opened his 21-day practice window.
“He’ll be out there today, which is outstanding for Deshaun,” head coach Kevin Stefanski said. “He’s has been working so hard, rehabbing, so finally to get out there on the practice field with his teammates to go through individual, I think this is really great for him. So, excited for him. His focus, my focus is obviously getting him back to playing football, practicing football, which he hasn’t done in over a year. So, it’s a good next step for him.”
Watson did not speak to the media after practicing in a limited capacity. But he did take to social media with a message.
“4OVE (Focus Only On Victories Everyday) MoreGLORY!” Watson said on a post that featured some older footage of him working out.
Deshaun Watson May Not Start for Browns
While Watson is back on the practice field, he’s unlikely to start a game this season with the Browns. Cleveland is focused on evaluating their rookie passers — Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders — before next year’s draft. The Browns have two first-round picks and could target their future franchise quarterback.
It’s uncertain where Watson fits into Cleveland’s plans moving forward. He’s under contract through the 2026 season. Right now, the Browns are just focused on Watson getting back in the flow of practice.
“Yeah, really not my focus. Not his focus, right this minute,” Stefanski said. “His focus is putting a helmet on again for the first time, shoulder pads, throwing a football. That’s where the focus is.”
Sanders will draw the start on Sunday against the Tennessee Titans and is expected to start the rest of the way.
Browns Called Deshaun Watson Trade ‘Swing and Miss’
Watson arrived in Cleveland in 2022 via a blockbuster trade. It hasn’t gone well for the former Pro Bowler. He started the first seven games of the 2024 season, passing for 1,148 yards and five touchdowns, while adding 148 rushing yards with a score. The Browns went 1-6 in those starts.
Overall, the former Pro Bowler has a 9-10 record as the starter in Cleveland, passing for 3,365 yards, 19 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. But Watson, 30, is still determined that he can be a viable starting option in the NFL — whether in Cleveland or elsewhere.
“Everyone is doubting me. Everyone don’t believe in me,” Watson said in an offseason video. “Everyone don’t think I can get back to where I was. But I know, and I believe the work that I put in, that I believe in myself… I know, I’m gonna be way better than before.”
That said, there’s little confidence outside of Watson’s camp that his best days are in front of him. Before the Achilles injury, Watson had shoulder surgery. He’s played just 19 games since 2020, and the results have been subpar when he has been on the field.
