Browns GM: Deshaun Watson ahead of schedule in rehab

Field Level Media|published: Mon 17th June, 21:17 2024

Jan 13, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson looks on from the sideline in a 2024 AFC wild card game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Cleveland Browns general manager Andrew Berry said quarterback Deshaun Watson is "really" ahead in his rehab from surgery on his throwing shoulder.

Berry told NFL Network on Monday that Watson has "worked his tail off" as he gets ready for Cleveland's training camp next month.

"He's really champing at the bit to (go full speed), but really, he's had a really nice spring," Berry said. "He's thrown the ball well. Did a really nice job during our seven-on-seven and team periods during this veteran minicamp, so we're excited as he gets into training camp and gets the pads on.

"He's making excellent progress. Honestly if you didn't know he got hurt last year, you really wouldn't be able to tell the difference. We're very excited once camp starts."

Watson sustained a displaced fracture in his right shoulder in a Nov. 12 game against the Baltimore Ravens last season. He underwent surgery later that month.

Watson, 28, has played just 12 games for the Browns over two seasons since they acquired him from the Houston Texans. He served an 11-game suspension to begin the 2022 season for violating the league's personal conduct policy, in connection to lawsuits from more than two dozen female massage therapists alleging sexual harassment and assault.

Then, multiple injuries limited Watson to six games in 2023, when he threw for 1,115 yards, seven touchdowns and four interceptions while completing 61.4 percent of his passes.

Watson, a three-time Pro Bowler during his time with Houston, has thrown for 16,756 yards, 118 touchdowns and 45 interceptions in 66 games (65 starts) since entering the league in 2017. He has a 36-29 record as a starter.

--Field Level Media