Browns' Watson, Hall, and Bell Hit Injured Lists as Camp Kicks Off

Cleveland, USA - As the Cleveland Browns kick off their training camp, a pall hangs over the team with several key players starting off injured. Quarterback Deshaun Watson, defensive tackle Mike Hall Jr., and wide receiver David Bell find themselves on the injured lists as they begin practices with aspirations of a strong season ahead. These developments come amidst growing concerns over Watson’s ongoing Achilles issues that have plagued him for nearly two years now.

Deshaun Watson has been placed on the active/physically unable to perform list following a re-ruptured Achilles tendon that led him to undergo a second surgery in January. It’s a significant setback for a player who has seen action in only 19 games over three seasons with the Browns. The original injury, sustained during a game against the Bengals, has kept him on the sidelines for most of the past two seasons, forcing the franchise to look elsewhere for leadership on the field as Watson is not expected to return until at least October, pending medical clearance. BrownsZone reports that last season also ended prematurely for Watson after he was injured during a critical moment in a game against the Cincinnati Bengals, where he was performing well before the unfortunate incident struck.

Injury Woes Plague Hall and Bell

Joining Watson on the injury lists are Mike Hall Jr. and David Bell. Hall, a promising second-round pick from Ohio State, had offseason knee surgery that kept him from participating in the offseason program. Last season, Hall faced another tough break with a suspension for a domestic incident that limited his time on the field; he recorded just one sack in eight appearances. Like Watson, he has faced adversity due to injuries and off-field concerns.

Meanwhile, receiver David Bell is also navigating troubling waters after suffering a dislocated hip in Week 2 last season, which forced him onto the cart and sidelined him for an extended period. The third-round pick from 2022 has had to watch from the sidelines after also missing the offseason training. In his career so far, he has posted 41 receptions for 408 yards and three touchdowns in 32 games played, but now he faces a critical moment to prove his ability to bounce back.

Rookie Absences and Team Dynamics

As if the injuries weren’t enough, rookie running back Quinshon Judkins, the No. 36 pick from Ohio State, remains unsigned and is also absent from training camp due to a misdemeanor domestic violence charge from earlier this month. This adds another layer of uncertainty for the Browns as they try to shape their roster for the season.

Adding to the complexity, receiver Jaelen Gill has been waived with a non-football injury designation, pulling yet another player from the fray as the team tries to navigate their roster with fewer options. This situation raises questions about how well the Browns can come together as a team, given their current circumstances.

With training camp underway, Cleveland fans have their fingers crossed as they watch these athletes fight through adversity. Can Watson’s resilience lead to a triumphant return? Will Hall and Bell recover in time to contribute this season? As always, there’s something to be said for the unpredictable nature of football, especially in a town that bleeds brown and orange.