Browns GM: Watson ahead of schedule in rehab

Cleveland Browns general manager Andrew Berry, speaking during an appearance on NFL Network’s “The Insiders” on Monday, said quarterback Deshaun Watson is ahead of schedule in his rehab from last November’s season-ending shoulder surgery.

“He’s really champing at the bit to take the governor off, so to speak,” Berry said.

Watson threw every other day during the offseason workout program as he continued his rehab from surgery to replace a displaced fracture to the glenoid in his throwing shoulder. The injury forced Watson to miss the final nine games of the 2023 season, including the playoffs. Watson progressed to participating in 7-on-7 drills during mandatory minicamp but hasn’t been cleared to fully practice yet.

The Browns open training camp in late July.

Watson, whom the Browns acquired in a blockbuster trade before the 2022 season, capped minicamp with his most aggressive passing session in a practice open to media. With the hiring of offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey and the acquisition of wide receiver Jerry Jeudy, the Browns are hoping for a bounce-back season from Watson, who has struggled since arriving in Cleveland.

“We’re excited as he gets in to training camp and we get the pads on,” Berry said. “But he’s making excellent progress. Honestly, if you didn’t know he got hurt last year, you wouldn’t really be able to tell the difference. We’re very excited once camp starts.”