Deshaun Watson will not be returning for the Cleveland Browns this week but the former Pro Bowl quarterback is inching closer to being cleared.
Watson has been sidelined for more than a year with an Achilles injury. He initially ruptured his Achilles last season. Watson suffered a setback in January that required a second surgery. The Browns have not been clear on a timeline for Watson’s return, but said he’d miss a significant part of the season.
Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski was unsure about the plans for Watson when asked on Monday — a change from his recent answers that simply said the team’s $230 million passer was making progress.
“I’m not sure if that’s what we’re doing,” Stefanski said.
Browns insider Mary Kay Cabot of cleveland.com confirmed that Watson will not be returning to practice this week. But he’s made significant progress.
“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.
Browns Sticking With Dillon Gabriel
It’s unclear how Watson will factor into the Browns’ quarterback equation when he’s healthy. Dillon Gabriel is currently the team’s starter, with Shedeur Sanders backing him up.
Despite Gabriel’s struggles, Stefanski said the team will continue to roll with Gabriel against the Baltimore Ravens this week.
“Can Dillon play better? Yes, he can,” Stefanski said. “Can we play better around him? Yes we can. Can we coach him better? Yes we can. So I understand the question, but I just trust that our young players at every position and certainly at the quarterback position are guys that are going to work their tails off to get better every single day.”
Gabriel has gone 1-4 in his five starts this season. He hasn’t been able to show that he can be a viable starting option, passing for just 869 yards, seven touchdowns and two interceptions this season.
Browns QB Deshaun Watson Eager to Return
Getty ImagesBrowns quarterback Deshaun Watson faces an uphill battle to get back on the field.
Watson has been working hard to get back on the field. He hasn’t spoken to the media this season but has been documenting his progress on social media. Browns quarterbacks coach Bill Musgrave also provided some insight on Watson’s mindset and approach.
“I see him in the weight room all the time doing box jumps and doing all the exercises, things that they put them through before his Achilles,” Musgrave said in October. “And then he’s out throwing some passes. I know at times when we’re meeting or when we’re doing other stuff during the afternoon, he seems like he’s working like crazy.”
Watson has also been serving as a mentor to the young quarterbacks on the Browns’ roster. Musgrave praised Watson for being a solid resource for both Sanders and Gabriel. He’ll likely be on the sideline on Sunday when the Browns welcome the Ravens.
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