Browns OC shares promising Deshaun Watson update

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson is inching closer to playing for the first time since he injured his throwing shoulder on Sept. 24. 

"I think he’s scheduled to get out there and make some throws," Cleveland offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt said about Watson returning to practice on Thursday, per Myles Simmons of Pro Football Talk. "So, part of the process of him trying to get back ready to play. It’ll be good to get him out there ready with the guys."

Watson suffered what's being called a strained right rotator cuff and a "micro-tear" during Cleveland's Week 3 win over the Tennessee Titans and missed the following two games because of the issue. He said Wednesday he doesn't want to "be hesitant throwing the ball" and also won't "put myself first in this situation," but Thursday's development suggests he could start for the 3-2 Browns at the 3-3 Indianapolis Colts this Sunday. 

"I’d hate to say that," Van Pelt remarked about Watson definitely playing against Indianapolis. "It’s getting better, obviously, because he’s going to be out there today, I’d say that. [We’re] ramping him up, getting him ready, getting him back. We’ll see how it goes today. But, excited to get him back on the field. I know he’s excited."

Backup P.J. Walker completed 18-of-34 passes for 192 yards with no touchdowns and two interceptions in this past Sunday's 19-17 win over the San Francisco 49ers. Van Pelt insisted Thursday he's "very comfortable if P.J. starts again this week." 

According to ESPN stats, Watson begins Week 7 ranked 21st among qualified players with a 46.7 adjusted QBR on the season. He tossed four touchdown passes and two interceptions across three contests before his injury. 

As of Thursday afternoon, OddsChecker listed the Browns as three-point favorites heading into Sunday's game at Lucas Oil Stadium.