BREAKING: Browns QB Deshaun Watson release a one-word message.
Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson had a one-word message after successfully undergoing 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.
Watson’s first post-op update was from X (formerly known as Twitter). “God bless you,” Watson wrote, along with a praying emoji.
The good news for the Browns and Watson is that the recovery process begins Friday and a full recovery is expected before the start of the 2024 season. Watson remains a big part of the Browns’ future thanks to the $230 million contract he signed with Cleveland through 2022 after the trade. So far, this trade has been a tough pill to swallow for the Browns. Over two seasons, Watson appeared in just 12 games for Cleveland. He missed a little more than a quarter of four games earlier this season with a torn rotator cuff. He was also suspended for 11 games last season after settling with the NFL for violating the league’s personal conduct policy.
Deshaun Watson still believes the Browns can reach their goal.
The Browns have two top offensive players in Nick Chubb (lost in Week 2) and a Pro Bowl player in Watson. But the Browns are 7-3 and firmly in the postseason standings, one game behind the AFC-leading Baltimore Ravens.
Watson is upset about the injury, but is confident the Browns will move forward and continue to reach their goal of winning a Super Bowl. “It’s very sad, but it’s part of life and it’s something I’ve been through for 28 years,” Watson said on Nov. 15 after the injury was announced. “It’s just another hurdle.” I still think we can do it with the guys we have in this locker room. You know, I wanted to be a physical part of the field with these guys.
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.
Joe Flacco goes to work with the Browns during practice.
The Browns brought in veteran quarterback Joe Flacco this week to fill the void left by Watson. He practiced with the team for the first time on Wednesday.
“I am an experienced person who will be very involved in teams that are performing well this season. So I think I can bring a lot of different things to the table,” Flacco said. “But honestly, I just want to focus on what I can do one day at a time. And now it’s just learning the offense and being part of the team.”
Flacco was initially signed to the practice squad, but Dorian Thompson-Robinson and PJ Walker are expected to join the active roster soon. However, Thompson-Robinson will remain the starter for now. “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. It will fit the room perfectly. “He will be a great addition to this team.”
The Browns are relying on Flacco’s veteran leadership to help out an inexperienced quarterback room. With a 10-5 playoff record, Flacco brings a wealth of postseason experience that is currently lacking on the roster.
