Since tearing his ACL last November, Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson has been steadily progressing through his recovery.

Watson took another major stride forward on Monday afternoon, running for the first time since he suffered the injury.

Watson appears to be on track for the start of the 2018 campaign in his rehab from an injury that typically takes between eight-to-nine months to fully heal. Head coach Bill O'Brien stated nearly two weeks ago that the 22-year-old is ahead of schedule, which certainly appears to be the case with this latest news. Watson may even return to the field for training camp and get a few preseason games under his belt before the start of the 2018 regular season.

Article Continues Below
Related News
Eat Rutherford, NJ -- May 9, 2025 -- Cam Skattebo talks to the media following practice at Giants Rookie Minicamp.
Cam Skattebo’s pre-draft blunder had him thinking Giants wouldn’t draft himBen Strauss ·
New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) during the third quarter of their game against the Miami Dolphins at MetLife Stadium.
Steelers’ Darius Slay took shot at Aaron Rodgers over OTAs, per Mike FlorioJaren Kawada ·
Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay watches offensive drills during organized team activities at Rams Practice Facility.
What Sean McVay said about Jalen Ramsey trade at Rams OTAsBen Strauss ·
Tennessee Titans Will Levis (8) speaks with the media during OTAs at Ascension Saint Thomas Sports Park in Nashville, Tenn., Wednesday, May 28, 2025.
Titans’ Will Levis admits situation ‘sucks’ after Cam Ward pickZachary Weinberger ·
Sep 5, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker (9) reacts after missing a field goal against the Kansas City Chiefs during the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images
Ravens’ John Harbaugh breaks silence on ‘complex’ Justin Tucker decisionJaren Kawada ·
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Kenny Pickett (7) walks off the field after win against the Dallas Cowboys at Lincoln Financial Field.
Kenny Pickett makes promise about Super Bowl stint with EaglesBen Strauss ·

Although Watson is at a steady pace in his recovery, the Texans likely won't rush to get him back on the field given the risk of suffering a setback from such a significant injury. He is huge part of Houston's equation as potentially their franchise quarterback for the next decade-plus.

The organization is very optimistic with Watson under center after the fireworks he produced in his brief time on the field as a rookie. He threw for 1,699 yards in seven appearances, and his rookie franchise-record 19 touchdown passes were tied for the most in the NFL at the time of his injury.

Watson's 19 passing touchdowns were also the most by a quarterback in their first seven career games since 1970, surpassing Hall of Fame quarterback Kurt Warner. He posted five games with multiple touchdown passes and held a passer rating above 100 on four occasions. Watson became the first rookie quarterback to earn both the AFC Offensive Player of the Month honor and the NFL’s Offensive Rookie of the Month in October.