Deshaun Watson of the Browns said that he “jumped the gun” when playing the Colts; many injured returns, missing CB, WR, and more

QB Deshaun Watson of the Cleveland Browns revealed on Thursday that he “jumped the gun” by attempting to play against the Colts on October 22.

Watson also stated that he informed the decision-makers that he was prepared.

Watson now states that all decision-makers, including himself, must have the same mindset prior to his return to the field.

Prior to practice on Wednesday, Watson stated, “We all got to be on the same page.” “I informed the lads that Indianapolis week was coming up. That was my choice, and as you can see, I wasn’t prepared. I made a slight attempt to jump the gun, but it didn’t work out.

“So at the end of the day, you got to listen to the experts and all the things that they did,” he stated. Since I am familiar with my body and this is my first experience dealing with it, I am keeping a close eye on everything I do and informing them of what is good and bad. So when that moment arrives, I believe we’ll all be in agreement and feeling right.”

Watson said he’ll know when he’s ready when everything is said and done. He practiced on Wednesday and Thursday.

According to offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt, Watson appeared more polished than he had in his pre-game preparations.

Van Pelt stated, “He looked better, progressing.” “That’s a plus since he does appear better than when he last participated in a practice. He feels better now.

“Just one of those deals where you’ll just know,” he replied. “I believe that everyone knows us, including myself, Kevin, Joe, and the medical personnel. Everyone has seen me both in my best health and in my worst situation. Therefore, I believe that if everyone is in agreement, we will all know.”

Watson stated that he need not exercise caution upon his return because he was forced to leave the Colts game.

“I’m not being cautious at all,” he declared. “I mean, it’s part of the process and like I said before, the Indianapolis week was I think four weeks, so we try to maximize or minimize how much I need at that time, and now we’re going on six weeks, so we just try to just stay the course, stay the process, but follow what the doctor say and go from there.”

Watson was asked what the chances of him playing are on Sunday.

“I’m not even sure,” he said. “Just following the medical protocols and we’ll just go from there.”

Watson said the fact that he has practiced does not necessarily, mean that he is going to play.

“No, I mean it’s part of the process,” he replied. “It’s part of the protocols because if you cannot throw and then just go out there to try to play a game, so it’s just part of the process and we just take it day by day.”

Watson insisted that his shoulder is healing even if he would not describe the proportion of his velocity to his pre-injury state.

.. “Yeah, I mean it’s getting better each and every day,” he replied. “Upward-pointing arrows. The procedure has gone really well, and we are just steadily going about our daily business and making sure that we are doing everything within our power to strengthen our position in all areas.”

The Browns play the Ravens and the Steelers in back-to-back AFC North games after their game against the Cardinals on Sunday, but Watson said he’ll do what’s best for the team.

“Of course, I want to play, but like I said before, as long as we’re all on the same page as a player, as a staff in an organization, then I think that’s whatever’s best for the team, the best for the future of this team is definitely what we need to be heading to.”

Nevertheless, Watson stated that he is attempting to be ready for the Cardinals game on Sunday and that he does not believe thinking about the AFC North game will affect whether or not he plays.

“I don’t think it does,” he declared. “Well, we’re focused on Arizona right now, so I understand the question and other things, but we’re locked in on the Cardinals right now, and this is a critical week for us as we want to win the game by returning home in front of our supporters.

“So whenever that time comes, it comes,” he continued. “But right now it’s truthfully just day to day and seeing how we feel.”

Extra Points 

Jones, Wills, Smith, Njoku Return; Newsome Does Not:  The Browns had 18 players on the injury report on Wednesday, including six that did not practice due to injury, including CB Greg Newsome (groin), OT Dawand Jones (shoulder), DE Alex Wright (knee), LT Jedrick Wills (foot,ankle), TE David Njoku and WR David Bell (knee).

Newsome, Wright and Bell did not practice on Thursday, but Jones, Smith, Njoku and Wills did.

WR Marquise Goodwin was not seen on the field during the open part of practice.

Stefanski said he was not sure if Newsome or Jones could be longer-term injuries and the next couple of days will determine.