Deshaun Watson Expected To Play For Browns, Against Colts

The Browns quarterback returned to the practice field this week and was a full participant on Friday

The Deshaun Watson shoulder watch will likely reach it's conclusion, Sunday. That's because the Cleveland Browns signal caller is officially expected to return to action for the team against the Indianapolis Colts, according to multiple reports.

Deshaun Watson is progressing well, should start barring a setback

Daniel Jones is out Sunday, but trending in the right direction

Justin Fields hasn’t been ruled out for Week 8

Full QB injury breakdown from me, @TomPelissero and @MikeGarafolo: https://t.co/Mn8jfB6dj5

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 21, 2023

This was a likely outcome after Watson made progress toward playing late in the week. On Thursday, the 28-year-old practiced in a limited capacity, paving the way for him to be a full participant at Friday's session, It was the first time Watson practiced with his teammates fully in nearly a month. 

The former Texans quarterback missed the Browns last two games due to the shoulder injury that was defined as a "bruised rotator cuff." While the circumstances surrounding the situation was a bit strange at times, the Browns continued to explain that they wouldn't put Watson back on the field until he was physically capable of doing his job.

On Friday, head coach Kevin Stefanski hinted at Watson tending in the right direction toward playing this weekend, but took a "wait and see" approach to his status.

“We won’t work him out," the Browns head man said. "Just want to see how he responds, how his body responds to again, a full workload today.”

It appears the Browns signal caller has responded well enough that he'll make his official return against Indy.

Even with Watson's status unclear throughout the week, Cleveland has been considered a favorite over the Colts via the SI Sportsbook. Still, the Browns are much better positioned to  beat Indianapolis with Watson than without him.