Deshaun Watson, Houston Texans
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Deshaun Watson #4 of the Cleveland Browns looks on against the Los Angeles Rams.
Deshaun Watson has not played in a game since Week 7 of last season after suffering multiple Achilles tendon tears. That was in October 2024, and the former Houston Texans star’s future remains as clouded as ever. However, he is nearing a return.
Whether that means on the field – for the Cleveland Browns or another team – or just that he is healthy and available to play remains unclear.
Still, Watson’s latest exhibition caused another stir on social media.
Ex-Texans QB Deshaun Watson’s Trainer Sends Message as QB Works Way Back
Deshaun Watson, Houston Texans
GettyDeshaun Watson #4 of the Cleveland Browns is taken off the field on a medical cart against the Cincinnati Bengals.
In this newest video, Watson, the Texans’ top pick and the No. 12 overall selection in the 2017 draft, is seen going through drills while his trainer, renowned QB coach Quincy Avery, keeps him on count. Watson looked especially pleased with a rep near the beginning of the clip.
Avery encourages his client during other reps in the clip.
“Closer today than we were yesterday,” Avery captioned the post, which he shared on X on September 12.
Avery shared the same clips to his Instagram page on the same day, with Culture Jam’s “Damage Control” as a soundtrack, and a caption that read, “You switched on the guys? Stay on that side.”
Watson remains one of the most polarizing players in the NFL long after his Texans tenure.
Deshaun Watson’s Improving Health Garners Attention
Deshaun Watson, Houston Texans
GettyDeshaun Watson #4 of the Cleveland Browns takes the field before a game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Watson is a three-time Pro Bowler and former All-Rookie, but that was all with the Texans. His Browns tenure includes 3,365 yards, 19 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions on 61.2% completion in three seasons.
He played in 15-plus games each season from 2018 through 2020. Watson has played in 19 games for the Browns. His eventual return has become highly anticipated.
“Deshaun Watson looking like he is getting really close,” 92.3 The Fan’s Daryl Ruiter posted in reaction to this latest video.
Watson shared a longer video on his Instagram on September 10, which also showed him working with Avery and in Browns facilities, captioning that one, “The Process.. Work Everyday! 4OVE! MoreGLORY,” and saying “Come on, 4 (his jersey number). Be perfect” during it.
Health has not been his only obstacle.
Deshaun Watson really shook the rust off in 2023 to give us 1 good half of #Browns football, got injured and hasn’t been the same since
The sad part is his shoulder fracture is 100% healed. His struggles have been decision making & vision
His issues are all mental#Dawgpound pic.twitter.com/9VXQSlRMjM
— Mac🦬 (@tha_buffalo) October 9, 2024
Still, he has made marked progress in that regard.
“Deshaun Watson isn’t looking too bad in these drills. [looking eyes emoji],” The Score posted about Friday’s clip.
“Browns QB Deshaun Watson is progressing steadily as he recovers from tearing his Achilles twice,” Sleeper NFL’s Arye Pulli posted on X in reaction to Avery’s video. “Looking pretty good. It’ll be interesting to see what the Browns do with him.”
The Browns have reworked Watson’s five-year, $230 million contract multiple times in the past calendar year, and he will be a free agent after the 2026 season.
He will be healthy long before that, though, meaning the Browns could have a decision to make.
“At some point, likely around the Week 9 BYE, there is a chance Deshaun Watson is active for the #Browns,” “Honor The Land”’s Max Loeb posted on X, quoting Avery’s video and noting “nobody wants to hear” the take. “Collectively we can all agree we’re ready to move past the experiment but we’d be lying to ourselves if we thought it was truly over.”
Deshaun Watson Expected to Make Browns’ Situation ‘Interesting’
Deshaun Watson, Houston Texans
GettyDeshaun Watson #4 of the Cleveland Browns looks on during mandatory minicamp.
The Browns, like the Texans, kept three quarterbacks into the regular season for their 53-man roster. However, Watson is on the Reserve/Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list.
That will not be the case forever, which would only put the spotlight back on the Browns.
“Don’t forget Deshaun Watson,” Pro Football Talk posted on X in August, quoting a graphic highlighting the Browns’ healthy QBs, Dillon Gabriel, Joe Flacco, and Shedeur Sanders. “He’s gonna show up with a clean bill of health at some point and things will get interesting.”
That Watson still draws so much attention despite not performing as expected since his Texans days speaks to the level of talent he has.