Deshaun Watson will be back at quarterback for the Cleveland Browns on Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals.

Browns coach Kevin Stefanski told reporters on Friday that Watson would return after taking all the first-team reps in practice.

It will be Watson's first start since Week 7, when he was knocked out after taking a big hit in the first quarter of Cleveland's 39-38 victory at the Indianapolis Colts. He was cleared of a concussion but hurt his ailing right shoulder.

Backup quarterback P.J. Walker got the start in last Sunday's 24-20 loss to the Seattle Seahawks, already the third game of the season Watson missed.

Watson initially hurt his throwing shoulder in the Browns' 27-3 win over the Tennessee Titans in Week 3. He then warmed up prior to the Browns' Week 4 game against the Baltimore Ravens, but was ultimately ruled out.

The three-time Pro Bowler said on Thursday that he tried to come back too soon, and Stefanski said on Friday that Watson is ready to play.

Watson has thrown for 683 yards with four touchdowns and three interceptions for the 4-3 Browns, who are tied with the Cincinnati Bengals for third place in the AFC North.

 

Coach Stefanski feels that @deshaunwatson had a good week in practice pic.twitter.com/g4yCxUW02k

— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) November 3, 2023