Houston Texans Fans Take Note as Deshaun Watson Makes Major Step Toward Return

Former Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson is back in the spotlight after taking a major step in his recovery from last season’s shoulder injury. His progress, which includes a return to more intensive training, has renewed conversations about his career trajectory and the ripple effects still felt in Houston.

Watson has been working his way back from a fractured glenoid in his throwing shoulder, an injury that ended his 2023 season early. According to the latest reports, the Cleveland Browns expect him to engage in more advanced on-field work as he pushes toward a full clearance. His recovery pace has created both optimism and pressure as questions about his long-term durability continue to surface.

Watson’s Progress Draws Attention in Houston

Although Watson no longer plays for the Texans, many fans in Houston still track his status closely. His departure after the high-profile trade reshaped the franchise, opened the door for a rebuild, and eventually allowed the Texans to draft quarterback C.J. Stroud. Because of that, any update on Watson’s future tends to carry added meaning locally.

His latest milestone signals that he could return to full practices soon. That timeline matters for the Browns, but it also interests Texans fans who watched the organization move on from a turbulent chapter and emerge stronger. Watson’s health and performance remain part of the broader story of how Houston rebuilt its roster and regained momentum.

Why It Matters for the Houston Texans

Deshaun Watson’s recovery has indirect implications for Houston’s ongoing rise. A few key factors stand out:

• The Texans still hold future draft capital from the Watson trade.
• His performance affects how that trade is judged nationally.
• A healthy Watson could influence AFC playoff dynamics.

Because the Texans now compete as one of the conference’s most promising teams, every shift in AFC quarterback play matters. Watson’s return could change matchups, playoff races, and national storylines that involve Houston.

What’s Next

The Browns plan to monitor Watson as he ramps up his workload. If he avoids setbacks, he could see preseason action and enter the season as Cleveland’s starter. However, his past injuries and mixed results since leaving Houston raise legitimate concerns about whether he can return to his previous level.

Meanwhile, the Texans continue building around Stroud and a rapidly improving roster. Houston fans will watch Watson’s next steps with curiosity, but the focus in the Bayou City stays firmly on the team’s future rather than its past.

This article is a summary of reporting by Heavy Sports. Read the full story here.