Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson issued a brief but potentially telling message as speculation about his return to the field continues to build.
Watson has been sidelined for more than a year after tearing his Achilles last October. He suffered a setback in January that required a second surgery, and the Browns later announced he’d miss a significant portion of the current season. Cleveland has provided little detail on Watson’s potential timeline for a return.
The former Pro Bowl quarterback has been steadily ramping up his rehab and is expected to return within the next few weeks. While Cleveland won’t clear him to practice this week, that milestone is reportedly approaching. Amid the growing buzz surrounding his comeback, Watson ended his social media silence with a pointed post.
https://www.instagram.com/p/DQ8DBewkUrj/
“Be READY,” Watson wrote, including his “MoreGLORY” tag and a series of photos documenting his recovery journey.
He also posted the photos to his Instagram stories with the caption, “Had to walk a lot of miles to get here.”
Browns Coach Kevin Stefanski Gives Strange Deshaun Watson Update
Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski was asked about Watson potentially being cleared to practice this week. The two-time coach of the year was unsure about the team’s plans for its $230 million quarterback.
“I’m not sure if that’s what we’re doing,” Stefanski said.
Browns insider Mary Kay Cabot recently provided more context on the situation and when Watson could be back in the mix.
“Deshaun Watson continues to make excellent progress in his comeback from a re-ruptured Achilles, but the Browns aren’t opening his 21-day practice window this week,” Cabot said, citing a league source. “The Browns will wait at least until least Week 12 against the Raiders to designate Watson for return from reserve/Physically Unable to Perform. They expect to have more clarity on his timeframe over the next couple of weeks.”
When Watson is medically cleared, the Browns can open his 21-day practice window. The team can activate him to the 53-man roster at any time during that span. If not, he’ll remain on reserve/physically unable to perform list for the remainder of the season.
Deshaun Watson’s Return Could Complicate QB Situation
Dillon Gabriel has started the past five games for the Browns, going 1-4 in those contests. He’s done little to show he can be a long-term option, passing for just 869 yards, seven touchdowns and two interceptions this season.
High-profile fifth-round pick Shedeur Sanders is the backup to Gabriel. It’s assumed that Sanders would be the next option if the team wants to make a change. But Watson’s return could potentially complicate that.
“My guess is they’d like to see both of them,” NFL insider Albert Breer of the MMQB said on Tuesday. “But I think we have to remember that Shedeur is a fifth-round pick. The investment the organization has in those two guys is on different planets. One guy is under contract for the next three years, after this year, at a very low number. The other guy you have under contract for one more year, and you’re guaranteeing him $46 million. It’s not even close to the same thing, regardless of how famous the fifth-round pick may be.”
That said, the Browns have made it clear that Watson is not part of their long-term plans. Owner Jimmy Haslam recently described the blockbuster 2022 trade for Watson as a “swing and miss.” Haslam has also expressed that he wants to see both Gabriel and Sanders play this season, especially with two first-round picks in next year’s draft.
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