Deshaun Watson is back on the practice field with the Cleveland Browns. However, the chances of him seeing the field this season are slim to none.
Watson has been recovering from a pair of Achilles surgeries, the latest coming in January. The Browns officially took him off the reserve/Physically Unable to Perform list on Wednesday, opening his 21-day practice window. The Browns will have to decide during that time if Watson is ready to be activated to the 53-man roster. If the team does not do it during that span, he’ll spend the rest of the season on injured reserve.
It’s surely a step in the right direction for Watson, but it does not guarantee the Browns’ $230 million passer will be on the field this season, per Mary Kay Cabot of cleveland.com.
The Browns are auditioning Shedeur Sanders for the starting job, and there’s a good chance he’ll start the final five games of the season. The Browns also have rookie Dillon Gabriel waiting in the wings after being cleared from the concussion protocol,” Cabot said. “At this point, Watson — who hasn’t played since first tearing the Achilles Oct. 20, 2024 vs. the Bengals — might not see the playing field this season, but given the revolving door at quarterback for the Browns, one can never say never.”
Watson is under contract through the 2026 season. He’ll likely stay with the team thanks to his fully guaranteed contract. If he is released or traded, it would result in a crippling dead cap hit.
Browns Excited for Deshaun Watson
Watson has spent more than a year on the sideline and has been itching to get back on the field. He’s shared various videos on social media, showing his progress and making it clear he intends to come back better than ever.
“Everyone is doubting me. Everyone don’t believe in me,” Watson said in an April video. “Everyone don’t think I can get back to where I was. But I know, and I believe the work that I put in, that I believe in myself… I know, I’m gonna be way better than before.”
Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski is excited to have Watson back in the mix.
“He’ll be out there today, which is outstanding for Deshaun,” Stefanski said on Wednesday. “He’s been working so hard, rehabbing, so finally to get out there on the practice field with his teammates, go through individual I think is really great for him. So excited for him. His focus, my focus is obviously getting him back to playing football, practicing football, which he hasn’t done in over a year, so it’s good next step for him.”
Deshaun Watson Has Served as Mentor for Browns QBs
Watson has not been able to practice but he’s been a mentor to Sanders and Dillon Gabriel. He’s been weighing in during meetings and has been on the sideline for a handful of games.
“I try to take myself out of the equation – I don’t need to be there hovering all over them … We miss him on the road,” Browns quarterbacks coach Bill Musgrave said in October. “It’s great to have his presence on the sideline for our young group.”
Where Watson will fit on the depth chart if he is activated to the 53-man roster is unknown. Sanders is expected to remain the starter and Gabriel is holding down the backup role. When Joe Flacco was on the roster earlier in the season, Sanders served as the No. 3, emergency quarterback on game days.
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