Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson is still awaiting the “green light” for his return to the field.
Watson has been out for more than a year, recovering from an Achilles tendon rupture. He suffered a setback in January that required a second surgery. The Browns’ $230 million quarterback started the year on the PUP list and has not been cleared yet to return to practice.
“Coming off a re-torn Achilles, Watson must first pass his medical exams before he can be cleared to practice. If he passes, the Browns can open his 21-day practice window. If he’s not activated during that three-week period, he’ll remain on reserve/physically unable to perform for the rest of the season,” Browns insider Mary Kay Cabot said. “It all comes down to being cleared by the Browns’ doctors, in conjunction with Watson’s surgeon, to determine if he’s ready.”
Watson has been documenting his recovery on social media, although the updates have slowed down in recent months. He’s determined to get back on the field but has to be patient.
“Watson feels great and believes he has plenty left in the tank, but the Browns must wait for the green light before seeing what he can do on the field. Behind the scenes, he’s throwing a lot, doing agility work, and even box-jumping, as quarterbacks coach Bill Musgrave recently revealed,” Cabot said. “I’m sure if it were up to Watson, he’d be practicing already and gearing up to play this season.”
Deshaun Watson Mentor for Young Browns QBs
The Browns’ quarterback room has been a bit chaotic this season. But as it stands, Dillon Gabriel is the starter and is backed up by fellow rookie Shedeur Sanders. Bailey Zappe was signed ahead of the season as a practice squad passer.
Watson has the most experience of any Browns quarterback, and although he cannot play, he’s trying to make an impact.
“Deshaun is in there each and every day, and they bounce things off of Deshaun, about all kinds of things – football and offense, defense, quarterbacking related,” Musgrave said.
Watson has been especially chatty with Gabriel, who took over as the starter in Week 5.
“I like when those two birds converse. I like when they’re talking over there,” Musgrave said. “It’s great to have his presence on the sideline for our young group.”
Browns Looking for Spark From Dillon Gabriel
Gabriel has not fared well through four starts. He’s just 1-3 and has passed for 702 yards, five touchdowns and two interceptions this season. The Browns’ offense has struggled overall, averaging just 15.8 points per game.
The Browns are in search of a spark for Gabriel and the offense and shifting play-callers during the bye week. Offensive coordinator Tommy Rees will now serve as the play-caller, taking the duty from head coach Kevin Stefanski.
“I think it hasn’t really changed much in terms of day to day, just going about our business that way, but I think it’ll be good,” Gabriel said. “I think it’ll be good for the guys and want to get this thing going in the right direction.”
The Browns have a great chance to turn things around on Sunday against the struggling Jets, who traded away two of their top defenders at the deadline.
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