The Cleveland Browns provided an update on quarterback Deshaun Watson following a blowout loss to the Chicago Bears.
Watson returned to practice earlier this month after missing more than a year while recovering from a twice-ruptured Achilles. If the Browns do not do so within the 21-day window, Watson would remain on the reserve/physically unable to perform list for the rest of the season and would no longer be eligible to practice with the team.
Browns coach Kevin Stefanski was asked about the looming decision but offered little clarity on the team’s plans, declining to say whether Watson could be activated before the deadline.
“Yeah, I would say not my focus,” Stefanski said on Dec. 15. “For right now, I’m very pleased with the progress that Deshaun’s making on the field, in the classroom. He’s doing a really good job.”
Browns QB Deshaun Watson Unlikely to Play This Season
The Browns are 3-11 and out of playoff contention. But even if Watson is activated, it’s unlikely that he sees the field this season. Cleveland is set on seeing what Shedeur Sanders can do as the starter for the remaining three games. The most significant benefit for Watson would be the ability to continue practicing with the team.
“Even though he probably won’t play unless Sanders and Gabriel get injured, there’s some thought to activating him so that he can continue to practice and be out on the field with his teammates,” Browns insider Mary Kay Cabot said recently. “In addition to getting re-acclimated to the game, he’s been a huge help in practice to the young QBs, especially Sanders now that he’s starting.”
Sanders is coming off a rough three-interception performance against the Bears. But the Browns have shown no signs that Sanders could be replaced this season.
“There’s going to be really good games. There’s going to be games you want back,” Stefanski said. “We’ll learn from those, we’ll grow from those, and we’ll be better from those.”
Browns QB Deshaun Watson Likely to Remain on Roster
Watson has gone 9-10 as the starter in Cleveland since arriving via a blockbuster trade in 2022. It’s unlikely he’ll get another crack at the starting job, especially after owner Jimmy Haslam publicly called the trade for Watson a “swing and miss” for the franchise. But Watson is expected to remain on the roster next season.
The Browns are tied to Watson for one more year thanks to his $230 million fully guaranteed contract. Financially, the Browns would have a tough time trading or cutting Watson. However, Watson’s openness to be a mentor has made the team excited about having him around.
“Each and every day he’s doing more, and it’s just great to have him out there,” Browns quarterbacks coach Bill Musgrave said. “Like I’ve talked about, it’s been great to have him on the sideline for our young QBs. It was great to have him there for Joe (Flacco). He and Joe had a really good rapport. Of course, they were battling against each other, warriors that saw each other, of course, in the AFC for those years.”
Watson and the rest of the Browns are preparing for a Week 16 matchup against the Buffalo Bills.
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