Deshaun Watson addresses injury concerns: 'I can't play hesitant'

Deshaun Watson continues to recover from an injured shoulder that led to him missing more than half of the 2023 season. While speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Watson was asked how he can protect himself better and not take as many hits this upcoming season.

“I didn’t take any big hits,” Watson said. “I ran up with the guy in Tennessee, popped back up, finished the game. I don’t think the hit or situation is a problem. I want to sustain and play for longevity, but we just got to play football. I can’t play hesitant. I got to do what I got to do, and I got to understand that the hits I do take up do add up. Got to be smart about it.”

Watson and the Browns have their mandatory minicamp this week. Once that ends on Thursday, the Browns will have some time off before they report back for training camp in July. Watson said his doctors, Dr. Neal ElAttrache and Dr. James Voos and Browns Senior Vice President of Player Health and Development Joe Sheehan, are working on the next steps of his rehab program during the break.

Watson is currently on a schedule where he’s throwing every other day. He threw on Tuesday, not expected to throw on Wednesday and will be in action on Thursday.

“The natural next step is throwing out there against the defense in 7-on-7,” Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski said, per the Browns official website. “Then you’ll graduate to the team, and we can do team drills and those type of things. I thought he looked good, made good decisions.”

Deshaun Watson looking to play full season with Browns

Watson has yet to play a full season for the Browns since joining the team in 2022. In his first season, the Clemson alum was suspended for the first 11 games due to his sexual harassment allegations. During 2022 season, Watson threw for 1,102 yards, seven touchdowns and five interceptions with a 3-3 record in six games. In 2023, Watson threw for 1,115 yards, seven touchdowns and four interceptions with a 5-1 record before his injury.

The Browns are hoping they get the Watson who made the Pro Bowl three times as a member of the Houston Texans. His best season was in 2020 when he threw for 4,823 yards, 33 touchdowns and seven inteceptions with 112.4 passer rating and a 70.2 completion percentage. However, the Texans went 4-12 that season.