Deshaun Watson is slated to return to Los Angeles after spending time with the Cleveland Browns during their playoff push. Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com reports that Watson will head back to LA to continue his shoulder rehabilitation after undergoing surgery on November 21, following a season-ending injury against the Baltimore Ravens.
Watson made his first appearance on the Browns’ sideline on December 28, marking his presence after being in Cleveland for a charity event around Christmas. According to Cabot, he was allowed on the sidelines due to being more than a month post-surgery. Although he is set to continue rehabbing in LA with his surgical team, there are expectations for him to rejoin the team for the playoffs.
During the Browns’ recent game, Watson was featured on the broadcast multiple times, showing support for his teammates as they secured a playoff spot. Notably, he engaged in a chest bump with Joe Flacco after a noteworthy 50-yard touchdown pass to Jerome Ford.
Expressing his excitement to be around his teammates, Watson mentioned to News 5 Cleveland on December 23, “I’m always excited to be around my brothers and my teammates and see those guys work, and I’m going to be right there with ’em and supporting ’em and just keep pushing forward.” Despite the challenges of being away from the game due to injury, Watson emphasized his strong support for the team’s success and their current momentum.
Deshaun Watson Happy for Browns QB Joe Flacco
Watson, who has been relatively quiet since being sidelined, recently offered a concise comment on Flacco, his replacement who has excelled in his absence.
Speaking to cleveland.com on December 26, Watson remarked, “He’s been excellent. He’s a seasoned veteran.”
Flacco has made a significant impact during his brief tenure with the Browns, boasting a 4-1 record as a starter and achieving over 300 passing yards in four consecutive games—an unprecedented feat for a Browns quarterback. His recent success played a crucial role in securing the Browns a playoff spot, marking only the third time since 1999.
Flacco’s impressive performance has sparked discussions about Watson’s future with the team. Despite the speculation, the Browns have reaffirmed their commitment to Watson as their franchise quarterback. Watson, who signed a substantial $230 million deal with Cleveland following his trade in 2022, is anticipated to be fully prepared for the start of training camp in the upcoming season.
Browns Add to QB Room After Latest Injury
The Browns have faced a slew of injuries throughout the season, with the most recent setback being to backup quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson, who was placed on injured reserve due to a hip injury on December 26.
In response, the Browns signed former starter PJ Walker to the active roster, where he currently serves as the backup to Flacco. Additionally, the team added veteran Jeff Driskel to the active roster on December 29, recruiting him from the Arizona Cardinals practice squad. Driskel is expected to be in uniform for the Browns’ season finale against the Cincinnati Bengals, following the waiver of defensive end Sam Kamara to make room on the roster.
There is a possibility that Driskel may see playing time in the season finale, especially if the Browns, unable to secure the No. 1 seed, opt to rest several key starters due to the team’s challenging injury situation throughout the season.
The Browns’ chances of claiming the No. 1 seed and the AFC North crown hinge on the outcome of the Baltimore Ravens versus Miami Dolphins game on Sunday. If the Ravens emerge victorious, the Browns will not have an opportunity to secure the top seed.