It has been more than a year since we last saw Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson suited up for an NFL game, and even with the weight of a rehab from two Achilles tendon injuries, there has long been some hope–at least from Watson’s camp–that he might get himself healthy enough to get back on the field down the stretch of the season. Quarterback has been something of a tricky position in Cleveland for, oh, about three decades now and while Watson is just not going to be the answer, getting him healthy might at least open up some flexibility going forward.
The Browns are giving Shedeur Sanders his crack at the job, and while he may prove to be a long-term answer, he is a long way from proving that just yet.
So getting Watson on the field could help, either by giving the Browns a look at him in recovery, and whether he might be a viable option for Cleveland in 2026 (not a popular choice) or as a trade candidate in a deal in which the Browns would have to eat a significant portion of salary. That’s the hope. But there’s not much progress there.
No ‘Official Update’ on Deshaun Watson
Every week in his Monday press conference, it seems, Browns coach Kevin Stefanski is asked about the possibility of getting Watson on the field. Because he is on injured reserve, he must be cleared to practice first, then he can return to practice and the Browns can decide whether to activate him. But Stefanski has consistently deflected questions about activating Watson.
On Monday, he was asked about getting Watson officially back at practice. “I don’t have an update there,” Stefanski said.
Asked for some clarity, he said, “I just don’t have an official update on that.”
The Watson resume in Cleveland is more than underwhelming. He was granted a remarkable five-year deal that was entirely guaranteed at $233 million, and has played in just 19 games in four years. Watson has a 9-10 record as a starter in this time with the Browns.
GettyShedeur Sanders #12 of the Cleveland Browns
Shedeur Sanders Struggles in 2nd Start
Sanders had his second start for the Browns on Sunday against the 49ers, a 26-8 loss at home. Sanders struggled, going 16-for-25 passing with 149 yards and one touchdown, taking three sacks. The Browns were outmanned by a so-so 49ers defense in a game that was not exactly a confidence-booster.
Said Stefanski: “Shedeur had some really good moments in that football game. There are things that he wants back that we’re coaching up right now that he can improve upon. But bottom line is we have to continue to put our players in position to succeed.
“For the young quarterback, you only get better with more turns at this thing in these games, as you see more coverages, as you see more defenses and as you prepare versus different defenses. So just looking forward to that constant improvement with Shedeur and for all of our young players.”
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