The Cleveland Browns will not open the practice window for Deshaun Watson this week as he continues his recovery from an Achilles injury, creating questions about whether he’ll see the field at any point this season.
Watson has been recovering from an Achilles injury that originally occurred in October of 2024 before a setback in January required a second surgery. The Browns have not provided a firm timetable for his return, and he began the season on the reserve/physically unable to perform (PUP) list.
Watson has served his mandatory four-game absence, and the Browns are now weighing when to open his 21-day practice window. During that period, Watson can take part in practices without counting toward the 53-man roster.
Browns won’t be opening the practice window for Deshaun Watson this week. He remains on PUP as he rehabs from twice ruptured Achilles tendon,” Browns reporter Scott Petrak said on Monday.
If Cleveland opts not to open the window — or if Watson isn’t medically cleared — he will remain on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list and be ineligible to return this season.
Several factors complicate the decision. The Browns already have three quarterbacks on the active roster — Dillon Gabriel, veteran Joe Flacco, and Shedeur Sanders. And the team could recover a portion of Watson’s $230 million guaranteed contract through an insurance policy if he does not return to play.
Browns QB Deshaun Watson ‘Unlikely’ to Play This Season
Watson has been showing off his recovery on social media, expressing that he’s determined not only to return to the field but to be better than ever.
“Everyone is doubting me; everyone don’t believe in me,” Watson said in a social media clip. “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.”
That being said, Watson’s return appears unlikely this season, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, who added that evaluating the rookie passers is a priority for the Browns.
The Browns have two first-round picks for the 2026 draft and no clear franchise QB on the roster. Evaluating for the future at the most important position is part of Cleveland’s plans for this season. If Gabriel or Sanders emerges in a real way this year, that makes next year easier,” Rapoport said. If Deshaun Watson, who re-ruptured his Achilles this offseason and remains on the roster with his entire 2026 salary guaranteed, ends up on the field, that will add to the evaluation. Watson playing in 2025, however, is considered unlikely.”
Browns QB Dillon Gabriel Solid in First Start
The Browns made a quarterback change in Week 5, starting Gabriel in place of Flacco. Cleveland lost 21-17 on a last-minute touchdown, but Gabriel was solid, passing for 190 yards and two touchdowns. Most importantly, he didn’t turn the ball over.
“A lot of positives,. Obviously can always better, and certainly we as an offense have to better and score more to help this football team,” Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said. “But for a young player in that environment versus that defense to take care of the ball, make the plays he made, I thought was a lot of positives with plenty to clean up. And that’s what he will do. And that’s the mentality he has, certainly to be a player that continues to get better week in and week out.”
Gabriel will get another chance this week in an important divisional matchup when the Browns visit the Pittsburgh Steelers.
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