Deshaun Watson’s journey back to the field remains a source of intrigue as the former Houston Texans franchise quarterback finds himself nearing a state of limbo with the Cleveland Browns.
Watson clearly wants to play again.
However, as he recovers from a re-torn Achilles tendon, speculation about whether or not the Browns would allow Watson back on the field remains. Moreover, the Browns’ potential lack of interest in that could outweigh the reality that Watson is their best QB when healthy.
Deshaun Watson Set for ‘Medical Rechecks’
GettyDeshaun Watson #4 of the Cleveland Browns looks on before a game against the Carolina Panthers.
Watson, 29, has started 19 games for the Browns, who acquired him from the Texans and signed him to a five-year, $230 million contract in 2022. He had surgery to repair his re-torn Achilles tendon in January.
The Browns have largely remained mum on the three-time Pro Bowler, but that could change very soon.
Watson is set for reexamination, which could force the Browns to address his situation.
“You never really know. The Browns, the only thing that they ever, ever say about Deshaun is no decisions to make to be made, nothing to talk about until he is cleared medically,” Mary Kay Cabot told Dan Labbe on “Orange and Brown Talk” on November 4.
“That is the whole key. He has not passed those medical exams yet, and that has to happen before they open that practice window. He’s going through those rechecks now. Maybe even this week, next week, not really sure. But I’ve been told that he is going through some medical rechecks. And once he clears, then they can make some decisions. But until then, they won’t even entertain it.”
Watson has thrown for 3,365 yards,19 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions on 63.4% completion during his Browns tenure, leading Cleveland to a 9-10 record as their starter.
He has posted numerous workout videos since his surgery, some from the Browns’ facilities.
Deshaun Watson Believes in Browns’ Talent
GettyDeshaun Watson #4 of the Cleveland Browns reacts against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Cabot was clear that, while Watson may be able to help the Browns, the former Texans star would be dealing with a lackluster offense in addition to his long layoff, and that it would be difficult for any QB to overcome.
The longtime journalist also argued in favor of the Browns turning to Watson to close the year, should their two rookies – Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders – fail to progress as hoped.
Still, that opportunity may never come.
“Who knows? Maybe he can. I think he feels like he can. From people that I’ve talked to, he feels like he can come in and be successful with this football team. So, I don’t know if he’ll get that chance. I have no idea if he’ll get that chance. He’s like ‘He Who Shall Not Be Named.’ Nobody wants to talk about him. Nobody wants to answer a question about him, and we really don’t know. We don’t even know when they are going to activate him or open his 21-day practice window.
“He may never see the field this season. He may not. But if they go with a little bit of Dillon, a little bit of Shedeur, it’s not working out, there’s a couple games left, why not? If he’s 100% cleared and healthy, I would do it. I’m curious to see if he’s got anything left in the tank. We know he thinks he does.”
More than four years removed from his final snaps with the Texans, Watson is running out of time this season with the Browns.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Ex-Texans QB Deshaun Watson Taking Major Step Toward Forcing Decision appeared first on Heavy Sports.