Deshaun Watson will not return to the field until the regular season starts.
The Cleveland quarterback missed the Browns’ preseason finale against Seattle on Saturday night. He is expected to be ready for the season opener against Dallas on September 8.
Watson had shoulder surgery in November and has played only 12 games in two seasons with the Browns. He missed the first two preseason games and experienced some arm soreness during practice on Wednesday.
However, he fully participated with the first-team offense in Thursday’s workout, which was closed to the media.
Coach Kevin Stefanski had intended to play Watson in the preseason finale but decided to be cautious with his star quarterback.
Additionally, the Browns are dealing with injuries at both offensive tackle positions, which might have influenced the decision.
Watson was in uniform for pregame warmups and did some light throwing. Before the game, Stefanski expressed satisfaction with Watson’s progress.
“I’ve seen a lot from him and really that confidence really goes back to the work that he has put in the spring into the summertime,” Stefanski said on the Browns telecast. “He has worked so hard getting his body ready, getting his mind ready and I’m excited about that for him. But it’s a whole body of work.”
Backup quarterback Jameis Winston started the game against the Seahawks.
Watson had surgery in November to fix a broken glenoid (socket) bone in his throwing arm, which cut short his second season with Cleveland after six starts.
