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Deshaun Watson has been sidelined for a number of games in 2023 since he was injured early in the season and there have been many questions surrounding the timeline of his recovery ahead of the upcoming game between the Browns and the Cardinals.
Here are the latest updates surrounding Watson with game day on the horizon for the signal-caller.
Is Deshaun Watson playing this week?
There is still no definite update on whether or not Watson will play in the game against the Cardinals. Browns beat reporter Scott Petrak did note on X (formerly known as Twitter) on Wednesday that the practice session was the best he’s seen Watson throw in since he was just injured.
That’s something that gives a strong reason for optimism with several days to go until Sunday. Watson said in a press conference that week thathe feels good about the path he’s on throughout the recovery process.
“We’re right on track where we need to be,” Watson said. “Just communicating with all the doctors and all the coaching staff and making sure we do all the steps we need to whenever that time is [that] I step on the field.
#Browns Deshaun Watson throwing today. It’s only practice but threw as well as I’ve seen since injury. pic.twitter.com/0SOAqnCW84
— Scott Petrak ct (@ScottPetrak) November 1, 2023
Watson was listed as a limited participant in practice on Thursday. Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski told reporters that Watson is still the top option for Cleveland at quarterback, but that he is not making is not making a decision just yet on who will suit up Sunday.
trusting the process and taking the right steps @deshaunwatson | #DawgPound pic.twitter.com/0B6EbDxITm
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) November 2, 2023
What is Deshaun Watson’s injury?
Watson originally suffered a right shoulder injury that has been called a strained rotator cuff after he originally sustained it in Week 3. It did not take Watson long to return to the practice field on Oct. 19, prepared to see action in the Week 6 contest against the 49ers.
It was ultimately decided that Watson would not play after he had some issues during warmups before the game.
He then attempted to go again in the Week 7 game against the Colts next on the schedule. Watson made it through just five passing attempts, though, forced to leave in the first quarter as the injury appeared aggravated.
MORE: Latest fantasy injury updates for Week 9
Watson himself is of the opinion he made too quick of a return from what’s been ailing him, something he recently spoke on with reporters. He says he “jumped the gun” in trying to play against Indianapolis.
He also made clear that he’s had the full support of his teammates and wants to be back out there with them — but only if he’s at full capacity.
“Injuries happen,” Watson said. “Everyone understands the injury I’m dealing with and… every time they walk past me, make sure I’m taking care of myself… I want to be out there and help the team win. But if I can’t be 100 [percent] and beneficial for the team, then I understand that too.”
trusting the process and taking the right steps @deshaunwatson | #DawgPound pic.twitter.com/0B6EbDxITm
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) November 2, 2023
Deshaun Watson stats
Watson has played in a total of four games this season. He did not see action in the 24-20 loss to the Seahawks on Sunday.
| Game | Comp | Att | Passing Yards | TD | INT |
| vs. Colts | 1 | 5 | 5 | 0 | 1 |
| vs. Titans | 27 | 33 | 289 | 2 | 0 |
| vs. Steelers | 22 | 40 | 235 | 1 | 1 |
| vs. Bengals | 16 | 29 | 154 | 1 | 1 |
