Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson has not been a fantasy football superstar with the organization like he was with the Houston Texans, but since he was so dynamic as a young player in the league, he still draws plenty of interest.
Watson battled injuries throughout the start of the 2023 campaign, so it's been a while since he paid real dividends for fantasy managers. However, it's still important to check on his latest injury update.
Is Watson hurt or healthy, and will he be ready for training camp? Let's dive in!
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Deshaun Watson Injury Update for Fantasy Football
Watson (shoulder) told reporters on Tuesday that he is "throwing full speed" with no limitations on motion or velocity. The 28-year-old said he's making 40-yard and 60-yard throws while following his doctor's lead, and the plan is for him to participate in OTAs in late May or early June in some capacity.
Watson said he's "throwing full speed," no limitations with motion or velocity. Said some days he's making 40 throws, some 60, and following doctors' lead. Said "the plan" is to participate in OTAs (late May/early June) on some level but the focus is on training camp.
— Zac Jackson (@AkronJackson) April 16, 2024
However, the former Pro Bowl quarterback and the organization are likely to be careful with him during that time and focus on getting him 100% ready for training camp. Watson was limited to just six games last year before suffering a season-ending shoulder injury, and he has only played in 12 total games over the last three years.
Deshaun Watson 2024 Fantasy Football Outlook
Watson averaged roughly 15 fantasy points per game over the last two seasons, which is far off his 23.5 fantasy points per game in his final year in Houston (2020).
However, the Browns will get back left tackle Jedrick Wills and right tackle Jack Conklin this season from major injuries, and Jerry Jeudy has been added to the wide receiver room. Although Jeudy hasn't been a star, he's an adequate WR2 or WR3 alongside Amari Cooper and Elijah Moore. Additionally, Nick Chubb (knee) will be available in some capacity this season after suffering a significant knee injury in Week 2 of last year, and David Njoku seems to be entering his prime. Watson also still has at least some rushing upside.
rock & roll city coming alive 🎸🤟
📺: #CINvsCLE on CBS
📱: Stream on NFL+ pic.twitter.com/jsWI7kT3Dp— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) September 10, 2023
Ultimately, the pieces are in place for Watson to at least produce mid-range QB2 numbers, making him a solid value at his QB21 price tag in early FFPC drafts. There are still scenarios where Watson could yield low-end QB1 upside, especially since the Browns are likely to take on a more pass-happy approach in 2024.
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