Browns Make Key Announcement on Deshaun Watson’s Future

The Cleveland Browns announced Tuesday that quarterback Deshaun Watson has undergone successful surgery on his injured shoulder.

Surgery repaired a glenoid fracture in his right shoulder, according to a team news release. Watson was ruled out for the rest of the season. The team said the rehabilitation process will begin on Friday and a full recovery is expected before the start of the 2024 season. It’s a tough situation, but it’s good news for the Browns, who have a $230 million quarterback to line up for next season. Watson’s contract with the Browns is fully guaranteed, so there’s no question he’ll be a starter once he’s healthy. Watson has battled injuries this season for the Browns. He has missed just over a quarter of four straight games with a torn rotator cuff. The club said the rotator cuff tear and the current shoulder injury are not related.

In a game against the Baltimore Ravens on November 12, Watson suffered a shoulder injury and a sprained leg while leading 14–14 in the second half and Cleveland won 33–31. The Browns went 5-1 this season and used Watson as their starting quarterback. He completed 61.4 percent of his passes for 1,115 yards, seven touchdowns and four interceptions in those games. Rookie QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson and the Browns

The Browns traded for Watson in a blockbuster deal in the 2022 offseason. Cleveland gave up three first-round picks and third- and fourth-round picks. In two seasons, Watson appeared in 12 games for the Browns. He missed most of last season and was suspended for 11 games. Watson hopes to perform well this season and has shown some Pro Bowl form. But injuries derailed the momentum he had built. “I still can’t believe it,” Watson said on Nov. 15 after being sidelined for a year. “I’m trying to process all the information. I really think we’ve turned the corner for the run and I still think we’re going to be there with the guys we have in this locker room. “I wanted to be a physical part of it.”

With Watson out, the Browns handed the starting duties to rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson. He helped the Browns to a 13–10 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers on November 19, leading the team to a second half victory. Thompson-Robinson finished the game with 165 yards and an interception, but he made big plays when it mattered most. “I think every young player, every young man, every coach, you can learn from every opportunity,” Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said of Thompson-Robinson. “Everything is repetition, both in the game and virtually, so we have to improve. I think that’s the point. That means getting the first one under your belt and moving on to the next one.”

The Browns brought in Joe Flacco as a veteran backup.

Thompson-Robinson will be the Browns’ starter against the Denver Broncos on Sunday despite the team signing veteran Joe Flacco on Monday. The former Super Bowl MVP comes with an extensive resume and playoff experience, but for now at least, Thompson-Robinson leads the way under center.

“Dorian starts and Joe’s role is to support this team,” Stefanski said. “When we got here, we were able to add an experienced guy to fit the room. “He will be a great addition to this team.”

Flacco was initially signed to the practice squad, but Thompson-Robinson and PJ Walker are expected to join the active roster soon. If the rookie struggles, the Browns can rely on Flacco to bring him speed.