Browns place QB Deshaun Watson, DT Mike Hall Jr. on active/PUP

The Cleveland Browns kicked off their training camp with a significant announcement Tuesday, placing starting quarterback Deshaun Watson and promising rookie defensive tackle Mike Hall Jr. on the active/physically unable to perform (PUP) list. This procedural move, among several made by the team, signals a cautious approach to the health of key players as the preseason ramps up. For both Watson and Hall, being on the active/PUP list means they can attend meetings and participate in conditioning but are not permitted to practice with the team until they are medically cleared. The good news for fans is that players can be activated from this list at any point during training camp without missing regular-season games, suggesting these are not long-term concerns but rather strategic management of their respective recoveries.

The placement of Deshaun Watson on the PUP list comes as little surprise, given his significant shoulder surgery last November to repair a displaced glenoid fracture. The veteran quarterback has been diligently rehabbing throughout the offseason, with the team consistently expressing optimism about his readiness for the regular season. This move simply allows the Browns to manage his workload and recovery process without rushing him back onto the field. Watson's health is paramount to Cleveland's aspirations, as he enters his third season with the franchise, aiming to finally deliver on the massive investment made in him. His ability to stay on the field and perform at an elite level will dictate the ceiling for a Browns team that boasts a talented roster on both sides of the ball. The expectation remains that Watson will be fully cleared and integrated into practice well before the Week 1 opener, provided his recovery continues on its current trajectory.