April 18, 2024
ANALYSISWhile not quite willing to guarantee that Watson will be ready for the regular-season opener, Berry did
confirm that's the expectation and said the Browns are "pretty optimistic" about the QB's rehab process so far. Watson spoke with reporters Tuesday, mentioning that the team medical staff favors a cautious approach that would see him wait until training camp before returning to full practice participation. The 28-year-old thus figures to be limited during OTAs, giving free-agent additions
Jameis Winston and
Tyler Huntley more chances to throw to the team's top receivers. The Browns traded for WR
Jerry Jeudy in March and still have WRs
Amari Cooper and
Elijah Moore as well as TE
David Njoku. There's also a strong chance of improved blocking this season, after 2023 saw the Browns lose their top three OTs to season-ending knee injuries. Watson is the biggest variable though, perhaps more so because of his disappointing 2022-23 performance than the ongoing rehab from Nov. 21 surgery to repair a displaced glenoid fracture in his right shoulder.