Is Deshaun Watson playing today? Update on Browns QB's availability for Week 1 vs Cowboys
Deshaun Watson's shoulder injury kept him out of preseason, so there was some cause for concern as the Cleveland Browns brace themselves to welcome the Dallas Cowboys in Week 1.
Watson missed the second half of the 2023 season after injuring his shoulder. Watson went under the knife in November but didn't return for the rest of the Browns' games, with Joe Flacco taking over and leading the team to the postseason. But with the Browns gearing up to host the Cowboys in Week 1, will Deshaun Watson line up under center?
Is Deshaun Watson playing today?
Deshaun Watson will suit up against the Dallas Cowboys this evening, that much is for certain.
There were some doubts about Watson's availability after he announced the death of his father on Friday. However, per multiple reports, Watson had an estranged relationship with his father, so much so that he chose to take his mother's surname instead.
In any case, Watson did not show up on the Browns injury report prior to the game. He will be raring to go and make a statement when the Browns take the field later today.
Another storyline to look forward to is Tom Brady's broadcasting debut with Fox. The seven-time Super Bowl champion signed a $375 million deal across 10 years and will officially step into a NFL broadcasting booth for the first time to call Cowboys vs Browns.
Dallas Cowboys vs Cleveland Browns injury report
Cowboys injury report
The biggest piece of news for the Cowboys is that they have taken the 'exempt' tag off of CeeDee Lamb. The star wideout signed a $136 million contract and will be in action this evening as the Cowboys look to start with a bang. Elsewhere, Dallas has a few injury concerns, mainly in the form of Mazi Smith (Achilles) and rookie Marshawn Kneeland.
Browns injury report
There are quite a few names on the Browns' injury report for Week 1. Three players were limited in practice - OTs Jack Conklin and Jedrick Wills, and DT Dalvin Tomlinson. Wills has been ruled out of the game.
Meanwhile, Conklin is questionable, which doesn't bode well considering they will go up against Micah Parsons this evening.