Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson is stressing the importance of patience as he continues his recovery and aims for a return to the field this season.
Watson first ruptured his Achilles in October, then suffered a setback in January that required another operation. The team announced he would miss “significant time” this season. However, Watson has been working hard to get back on the field, documenting his progress on social media.
Watson’s latest post offered another glimpse into his journey, featuring clips of his workouts with audio from former UFC star Conor McGregor playing in the background, discussing the art of patience.
“Working to master patience! Time will tell,” Watson wrote in the caption.
Watson opened the season on the physically unable to perform list, which sidelines him for at least the first four games. Once that period ends, the Browns can begin a five-week window to designate him for return to practice. From there, they would have 21 days to decide whether to activate him to the 53-man roster.
A return to the practice field as early as October has been mentioned as a possibility, though the Browns are expected to be cautious. Depending on how his rehab progresses, Watson could be cleared to play in October or November.
The Browns’ quarterback picture remains unsettled, with no clear answer on how — or if — Watson factors into the plan moving forward. Joe Flacco has started the first three games, but his grip on the job is loosening after a string of underwhelming outings. Behind him, rookies Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders are waiting in the wings, and there’s a growing push for the young quarterbacks to see meaningful snaps.
Browns QB Deshaun Watson Determined to Prove Doubters Wrong
Watson landed in Cleveland in a 2022 blockbuster trade, but his tenure has been rocky. The former Pro Bowler has gone 9-10 as the Browns’ starter, missing significant time. Over three seasons, he’s passed for 3,365 yards with 19 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.
Browns owner Jimmy Haslam didn’t mince words when reflecting on the deal this summer, calling it a failure.
“We took a big swing-and-miss with Deshaun,” Haslam said. “We thought we had the quarterback; we didn’t. And we gave up a lot of draft picks to get him, so we’ve got to dig ourselves out of that hole.
“… [The trade] was an entire organization decision and it ends with Dee [Haslam] and I, so hold us accountable.”
Shortly after Haslam’s statement, Watson appeared to respond to the Browns‘ owner with a message of his own.
“Everyone is doubting me. Everyone don’t believe in me,” Watson said in a video posted to social media. “Everyone don’t think I can get back to where I was. But I know, and I believe the work that I put in, that I believe in myself… I know, I’m gonna be way better than before.”
Deshaun Watson Making Impact With Browns
Watson has remained around the facility during his recovery and has been spotted on the sideline on game days. He’s been a valued contributor in the quarterback room, drawing rave reviews from teammates and coaches.
“Deshaun’s doing awesome, he’s doing great,” Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said in August. “I’m excited for him. I get to watch him work out as well. I get to be in the meeting room with him every single day. So, he’s doing great.”
Mary Kay Cabot of cleveland.com reported that Watson went through a workout at the team facility in August, with general manager Andrew Berry, Stefanski and Haslam looking on.
“What they saw was a quarterback who’s dropping back with agility and ease, and launching the ball downfield with good velocity,” Cabot said. “He looked good in the workout, and if they didn’t know any better, they never would’ve guessed that he had undergone surgery in January to repair his retorn Achilles.”
The Browns face the Detroit Lions in Week 4.
Browns QB Deshaun Watson Teases Return Amid Flacco Uncertainty