As the 2024 NFL season approaches, there is growing concern among Cleveland Browns fans and analysts regarding the health of quarterback Deshaun Watson. Watson, who has shown flashes of brilliance throughout his career, has been plagued by injuries over the past few seasons, leading to uncertainty about his ability to be healthy and perform at a high level this year.
Watson’s injury history is well-documented. After a stellar start to his career with the Houston Texans, Watson’s durability became a concern when he tore his ACL during practice in 2017, ending his rookie season prematurely. Although he made a strong recovery and continued to play at an elite level, Watson’s career has since been marred by various injuries, including shoulder and rib issues, that have limited his effectiveness and availability.
Last season, Watson missed several games due to rotator cuff, and other shoulder injuries that raised eyebrows about his long-term viability. The Browns’ offense played well, but had many problems in the position in his absence, highlighting just how crucial a healthy Watson is to their success. Despite the offseason efforts to strengthen the offensive line and bolster the receiving corps, the biggest question mark remains the quarterback’s ability to endure the grind of a 17-game season without succumbing to further injuries.
Cleveland has made it clear that Watson’s health is a priority, taking a cautious approach throughout training camp and the preseason. However, the nature of his injuries—particularly those related to his throwing shoulder—poses a significant concern. A quarterback’s throwing shoulder is central to their performance, and even minor discomfort can drastically impact their accuracy and arm strength.
The Browns’ coaching staff is optimistic that Watson will be ready to lead the team when the season kicks off, but there is an underlying fear that another significant injury could derail their playoff hopes. With the AFC North shaping up to be one of the toughest divisions in football, the Browns will need Watson at his best to compete.
As the season draws closer, all eyes will be on Watson, not just to see if he can return to his Pro Bowl form, but also to see if he can avoid the injuries that have become an unfortunate part of his narrative.
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