Deshaun Watson and the Cleveland Browns are like a toxic relationship — he's there, but he's not really there. 

At least, that is what the current situation and circumstance feels like. 

Watson returned to practice head of the Browns' Week 9 matchup with the Arizona Cardinals. However, practicing guarantees nothing in Watson-land. The $230 million man is still "not sure" if he will play come Sunday. 

"I'm following the medical protocols, and we just go from there," Watson said. "We just take it day by day."

Watson, a former Pro Bowl quarterback, has practiced all week. Every report indicates that he looks fine. But in Watson-land up is down, and down is up. So, even if Watson comes around and says he will play, the Browns have to prep like he won't be available. 

History suggests regardless of Watson's injury status, he won't be. The Cardinals are one of the worst football teams in the NFL. It is a game Cleveland can't afford to lose. 

The Browns have to treat the situation as a quarterback by committee at this point. Watson has missed has missed three of the Browns' last four games due to a shoulder injury.

And even if Watson does manage to start the game, history doesn't suggest he will finish it. Hence, the Browns must prep like they are playing without the "franchise" quarterback for another week. He's given them no reason to trust that he will be available — coded language and all. 

"I'm not cautious at all," he said. "It's just part of the process. It's getting better each and every day. The arrow's pointing up."

Up or not, Cleveland must prepare for the worst because, with Watson, the worst has happened more times than not. 

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