Deshaun Watson, the star quarterback for the Cleveland Browns, was back in action during Thursday's practice, taking all the first-team reps after a brief hiatus due to soreness in his surgically repaired right throwing shoulder. The club had limited him on Wednesday, raising eyebrows and sparking concerns about his availability for the upcoming preseason finale against the Seattle Seahawks. However, the latest update from the Browns provided a glimmer of hope, as Watson seemed to be in fine form during Thursday's session.
As the Browns gear up for their final preseason game on Saturday night, fans are anxiously waiting to see if Watson will take the field. Head Coach Kevin Stefanski has been tight-lipped about his plans, leaving everyone in suspense. With Thursday's practice closed to fans and media, and Stefanski unavailable for comment as the team prepared to fly to Seattle, the decision remains shrouded in mystery. Will Watson make his preseason debut, or will Stefanski opt to start Jameis Winston for the second time this preseason? The anticipation is palpable.
Watson's journey this preseason has been anything but straightforward. After being cleared for contact before the start of training camp on July 25, he has been available for all three games, yet he hasn’t seen any action on the field. The Browns’ preseason opener against the Packers saw Winston at the helm in a 23-10 loss at Cleveland Browns Stadium, with Watson resting on the sidelines due to a coach’s decision. This led to speculation about Watson's readiness and the wisdom of keeping him out of the action, especially considering his hefty $230 million contract and the high expectations surrounding his performance this season.
On Wednesday, Watson was sidelined for most of the practice due to what Stefanski described as "general soreness" in his shoulder. The team had been aware of this soreness before the session, and Stefanski decided to give Watson some rest, emphasizing that it wasn't the first time the quarterback had experienced such discomfort during camp. Given the rigorous demands placed on quarterbacks and the sheer volume of throws, it's not uncommon for them to deal with some wear and tear. Stefanski reassured everyone that Watson "could have gone" and that the soreness was nothing to be overly concerned about. By Thursday, Watson was back to taking the first-team reps, gearing up for what could be his first appearance of the preseason.
But the decision to play Watson isn't as simple as it might seem. The Browns are currently dealing with significant attrition on their offensive line, particularly at left tackle. With both James Hudson III (ankle) and Hakeem Adeniji (knee) sidelined due to injuries sustained during Saturday's 27-12 loss to the Vikings, the Browns are down to their fourth or fifth option at the position. Ninth-year pro Germain Ifedi, who has logged over 3,800 snaps at right tackle but only four at left tackle, has been thrust into the starting role. To make matters worse, Ifedi also suffered a hand injury during the Vikings game, although he's been working all week at left tackle despite the setback.
This precarious situation at left tackle presents a significant dilemma for the Browns. If Ifedi were to reinjure his hand or suffer another injury during the Seahawks game, the team would be forced to turn to undrafted rookie Lorenzo Thompson to protect Watson's blindside. This is far from an ideal scenario, especially considering Watson's recent shoulder surgery to repair a fractured socket and partially torn labrum. The Browns’ coaching staff must weigh the risks of exposing Watson to potential harm against the benefits of giving him some preseason reps to shake off any rust before the regular season kicks off.
The decision on whether to play Watson in the preseason finale is one that Stefanski cannot afford to take lightly. With the offensive line in a state of flux and the stakes so high, it’s a classic case of risk versus reward. On the one hand, Watson needs the game-time experience to build chemistry with his teammates and get into a rhythm before the games start to count. On the other hand, the risk of injury is ever-present, especially with a patchwork offensive line.
Stefanski has indicated that he will make his decision on Friday or Saturday, after gathering more information and assessing the situation. It's a decision that could have significant implications for the Browns' season. The team has invested heavily in Watson, both financially and in terms of their future prospects. Protecting their $230 million investment is paramount, but so is ensuring that Watson is ready to lead the team when the regular season begins.
In the meantime, Browns fans are left to speculate and debate the merits of playing Watson in the preseason finale. Some argue that it’s essential for him to get some live reps, even if it’s just for a series or two, to shake off the rust and build confidence heading into the regular season. Others believe that the risks far outweigh the potential benefits, particularly given the current state of the offensive line. It's a classic preseason dilemma, one that every coach faces, but the stakes feel particularly high for the Browns this year.
As the team prepares to face the Seahawks, all eyes will be on Stefanski and his decision regarding Watson. The anticipation is building, and the outcome of Saturday’s game could provide a glimpse into the Browns’ strategy for the regular season. Will they play it safe and keep Watson on the sidelines, or will they roll the dice and give their franchise quarterback a chance to lead the offense, even if just for a few plays?
One thing is certain: the decision will be scrutinized by fans, analysts, and everyone with a stake in the Browns’ success this season. The preseason might be winding down, but the drama is just beginning. Whether Watson takes the field or not, the Browns’ journey this season is sure to be an intriguing one, full of twists and turns, challenges, and opportunities. Stay tuned, because the best is yet to come.
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