Deshaun Watson, the quarterback for the Cleveland Browns, believes he will be “ready by Week 1” after shoulder surgery.

At the University Heights location of Lefty’s Cheesesteak, where he is an investor, Watson addressed reporters on Thursday.

Ohio’s University Heights In addition to Lefty’s Cheesesteak opening on South Taylor Road, the presence of the Cleveland Browns quarterback made it a historic day in University Heights.

Deshaun Watson, an investor in the new eatery, was more than delighted to discuss his affection for the cuisine and his friendship with the proprietors with reporters. Most people, though, were interested in learning how he recovered from shoulder surgery, which is still the team’s biggest concern as it attempts to compete in the NFL.

About his ongoing rehabilitation, Watson said, “It’s very, very good.” “The biggest thing right now, through this process, is load management and just continu[ing] to find ways to get better and just stay on that course.”

Regarding a timeframe, Watson said, “We’ll be ready by Week 1,” assuming he and the medical professionals continue to adhere to the treatment plan.

It’s fair to say that Watson has had a difficult time in Cleveland. He was a Pro Bowl player in Houston before missing the full 2021 campaign due to a trade request and allegations of sexual misconduct from about twenty-two women. The Browns faced intense scrutiny even though he has not been charged criminally and all but two of the civil lawsuits have been resolved out of court.

the league ultimately suspended him for the first 11 games of 2022 after they acquired him from the Texans for three first-round draft selections.

The $230 million quarterback’s play was viewed as erratic when he returned at the end of that season, and it persisted to some extent in 2023. Nevertheless, the Browns won all five of the games he started for them, including a thrilling 33-31 victory over Baltimore in which he made 14 straight throws in the second half.