One Obvious Question Remains After Deshaun Watson’s Telling Shoulder Update

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson described his shoulder as being "in a great state" while speaking to reporters Wednesday. Watson also called his rehab process over the spring "beautiful" and "a blessing."

But it's still not clear if the Browns starting quarterback will return for the team's first training camp practice July 24.

"Deshaun Watson says he's in a 'great state' and has had no setbacks in his rehab," The Athletic's Zac Jackson wrote. "But there's still no direct answer on when he might be fully cleared with training camp a week away."

Watson didn't rule out that possibility. But according to Jackson, he also didn't specifically state when he will return when asked Wednesday.

Watson was in and out of the lineup through the first half of the 2023 season. Then in Week 10, he suffered a displaced fracture to the glenoid in his throwing shoulder. The injury sidelined Watson for the remainder of the season.

The 28-year-old quarterback has spent the offseason rehabbing from shoulder surgery, which he underwent November 21.

Watson led the Browns to a 5-1 record in six starts last year. However, his statistics left something to be desired.

He completed 61.4% of his passes for an average of 6.5 yards per attempt. He also had seven touchdowns and four interceptions.

In two seasons with the Browns, Watson has posted a 59.8% completion percentage and 6.5 yards per pass across 12 games. He registered a 67.8% completion percentage and an 8.3 yards per attempt average in four seasons with the Houston Texans.

Because of the drop-off in his production, Watson not only faces pressure to return as soon as possible, but to return to the level of play he had from 2017-20.