Deshaun Watson Was Full Participant in Friday Practice Ahead of Browns at Colts

On the heels of conflicting reports regarding Deshaun Watson’s injured shoulder, the Browns quarterback’s road to recovery could finally culminate with a return in Week 7.

The Browns (3–2) listed Watson, 28, as questionable for Sunday’s road game against the Colts hours after the QB managed to log his first full practice since Week 3. His upgrade followed a DNP on Wednesday and a limited session on Thursday.

Barring any setbacks, Friday’s update suggests Watson’s absence from the lineup may come to an end just four weeks after he initially injured his right shoulder in Week 3 versus the Ravens. The ailment, described as a deep rotator cuff confusion, kept Watson sidelined for Weeks 4 and 6, with the team’s Week 5 bye affording him extra rest. 

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson was marked as a full participant in practice Friday, a good sign for his availability for Sunday’s game at the Indianapolis Colts.

Sue Ogrocki/AP

Interestingly, recent reports surrounding Watson’s return highlighted varying timelines. On Oct. 13, Cleveland.com’s Mary Kay Cabot reported the three-time Pro Bowler could miss multiple weeks and would remain out until he was pain-free; the following day, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Cleveland believed Watson would be ready as soon as Week 7.

Now, it appears Watson could, in fact, start in Indianapolis, and resume QB1 duties after watching veteran backup P.J. Walker lead the team to a huge upset over the 49ers and rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson flounder in a big loss to the Ravens.

In his three starts this season, Watson has completed 65 of his 102 pass attempts for 678 yards, four touchdowns and two interceptions.