Browns QB Deshaun Watson (shoulder) reveals he's been throwing daily, including with Amari Cooper

The Browns haven’t yet reported to Berea, but Deshaun Watson is already fielding questions about his readiness for training camp.

Watson remains emphatic he’s feeling great physically, telling reporters Wednesday he’s been throwing daily while simultaneously avoiding revealing whether he’s fully cleared for camp after missing all but six games in 2023 with his shoulder injury. Time will solve the Watson riddle for better or worse. What’s arguably more pertinent, however, is Amari Cooper‘s status.

With a contract extension atop his wish list, Cooper skipped out on mandatory minicamp in June, and there’s concern he’ll begin camp in the same fashion. With Cleveland’s 2024 hopes riding on Watson’s health — and his rapport with his receiving corps — it’s fair to worry whether he and Cooper might miss out on some valuable preparation if the receiver and the Browns don’t come to an agreement soon.

However, Browns fans can relax. Watson has been practicing with Cooper throughout the summer and consistently stays in touch with his main receiver.

“The connection’s been awesome. Me and Amari even with all the other guys, it’s not like he’s missed a beat,” Watson said, via Cleveland.com’s Mary Kay Cabot. “Amari’s always been there. We know what he can do. He’s shown that. He’s shown that over the offseason. The brotherhood, the love, the communication, none of that stuff has missed a beat at all.”

Cleveland has shown a united front regarding Cooper’s contract situation, acknowledging the veteran’s efforts and demonstrating a level of empathy that should ease worries about their ongoing partnership. Watson echoed general manager Andrew Berry’s stance on this issue in his Wednesday response, also opting not to comment on the contract situation.

It appears that the Browns are likely to finalize a deal with Cooper soon. Regardless of when this happens, Watson is not concerning himself with his teammate’s financial situation. He has a more crucial task to prioritize: demonstrating that his shoulder is fully recovered and ready for action.

After spending the offseason in rehab, he’s hoping that part is behind him.

“It’s been a blessing. Being able to sit back, recollect everything that’s been going on,” Watson said, via the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram’s Scott Petrak. “To be able to start from scratch, build that foundation. I don’t get frustrated or anything like that. There’s other things in life that can frustrate you. This is a blessing to continue to play the game of football and have the people that want you to succeed.

The fact that I’m even able to throw the football again is my main focus that I’ve been concentrated on.

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