Deshaun Watson's health continues to be the biggest storyline surrounding the Cleveland Browns. What was once considered a minor issue has turned into a potentially major one with the quarterback missing his second straight game in Week 6.
As if this saga couldn't get even more complicated, conflicting information has emerged on Watson's possible return.
Deshaun Watson could miss multiple more games with a strain-like deep contusion in his rotator cuff; he's the #Browns $230 million investment, and they won't play him until he can throw normally and pain-free: My report https://t.co/xLh1gMi0M3
— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) October 13, 2023
First, Cleveland.com's Mary Kay Cabot reported that Watson could "miss multiple more games" due to his rotator cuff injury. Cabot pointed to the Browns wanting the QB to be "pain-free & throwing normally," which isn't a stage he's reached just yet.
Then ESPN's Adam Schefter came out with a different take on the former Pro Bowler's recovery. He quoted two sources who both see Week 7 as a legitimate return point for Watson.
Deshaun Watson is dealing with a deep rotator cuff contusion that has made it difficult for him to drive the football when he throws, but there is a belief that the Browns’ QB could be ready to play as soon as next Sunday against the Colts, per sources.https://t.co/7v44ptd0Rp
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 14, 2023
Cabot then followed up in response to Schefter's reporting, highlighting that Watson suiting up against the Indianpolis Colts next week is the goal, though he has a ways to go yet before that's even a possibility.
As I wrote in this story on Friday "Ideally, the #Browns would like to have Watson back for next week’s game in Indianapolis" ...that's the goal & hope. But they want him to be pain-free & throwing normally. Deep contusion of the rotator cuff. #Colts will be 4 weeks. https://t.co/2TfwG8uFww
— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) October 15, 2023
It's no surprise there's even more continued mixed messaging on Watson's health considering how messy this problem has been handled. We already had players believing Watson would play before being blindedsed just hours before kickoff in Week 5. Then there was head coach Kevin Stefanski saying Watson was medically cleared before GM Andrew Berry claimed a few days later that everyone around the organization knew the QB was in no shape to suit up.
There's even contradictory info on the play Watson was actually injured.
So, was told the Deshaun Watson injury occurred not on that 10y keeper in the third quarter as has been reported but on the play that Arden Key forearmed his throat. Watson landed awkwardly with outstretched arm bracing his fall.
— Tony Grossi (@TonyGrossi) October 15, 2023
The quarterback failing to address his injury only adds to the confusion. Browns fans deserve to know the truth, though, whatever it actually is.
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