QB Deshaun Watson will not take the field or play in the Browns’ preseason finale against the Seahawks on Saturday.
Watson, who did not appear in any of the Browns’ preseason games, has not played since November 2023. He spent the offseason recovering from shoulder surgery following an injury he suffered during the 2023 season. Watson continued to progress throughout the offseason, taking various steps, first throwing every other day in the offseason programs, then in 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 drills, and participating in team drills during training camp. He also participated in joint practices with the Vikings, taking the majority of reps against Minnesota’s first-team defense.
Watson participated in practices throughout the week leading up to Saturday’s game. In Tuesday’s open practice, Watson made several throws where he hit his receivers in tight windows. He also threw a few long passes in 11-on-11 drills, connecting with WR Elijah Moore for a long gain and WR Jerry Jeudy down the sideline.
Watson was then limited in practice Wednesday with general arm soreness, but head coach Kevin Stefanski said Watson “felt great.” He rested for the latter part of practice.
Then, at Thursday’s practice before the Browns’ trip to Seattle, Watson resumed throwing and went through his normal schedule of reps with the first team.
The Browns finish the preseason in Seattle before the regular season begins on September 8, when they host the Cowboys at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
