Kevin Stefanski provides optimistic update on Deshaun Watson as the Browns begin OTAs

Deshaun Watson is working his way back from offseason shoulder injury to a fracture that ended his season short last season.

Watson threw on Day 1 of OTAs to begin the week and is moving right along in the process of being ready for the season opener against the Dallas Cowboys.

On Wednesday, Watson did not talk to the media but head coach Kevin Stefanski did and he provided an update on things.

“I think he looked like himself to me. I’ve been able to watch him the last couple of weeks now that we’ve gotten into phase two. So, I’ve seen him throw,” said Stefanski. "He’s making great progress, and we will continue to just follow the medical team on this. But he looks like himself.”

Watson did not throw on the second day of OTAs, so the Browns have a plan in place that will dictate when he throws as he continues to ramp up.

“We’re rotating days for now. That will change as we get into minicamp, as obviously when you get into training camp. But for right now, he’ll be throwing every other day.”

Cleveland has Jameis Winston and Tyler Huntley handling much of the throwing during this phase since second-year QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson is working back from an injury himself. On days that Watson is not taking actual live reps, he is still taking mental reps, which are very important too.

“I think it’s something we always talk about, it’s mental reps. So, when you’re not getting a rep, whether you’re the quarterback, you’re a running back, you’re trying to get a mental rep every single time. So, I think there’s a progression to how all of us learn, and I think as much as we can learn in the classroom, and then we can learn from being out there and taking the rep, I really think you can add another element of watching it while it’s happening live. So, our guys really do lock in and try to get that mental rep. Now you’re going to go into the meeting rooms and watch it again. So, you’re going to get another rep. But I just think it’s all of it adds up. We don’t want to be passive observers out here on the football field if we’re not in.”

By the time that training camp rolls around in July, it seems as if Watson will be ready to take all of the first team snaps. If so, that would be the most ideal way this can work out for all involved in preparation for the 2024 season.