Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson will not be added to the active roster this season.
The Browns made it official after practice on Tuesday, with Watson’s 21-day window to be added to the 53-man roster officially closed.
“We will not activate Deshaun. He will go back to the reserve/PUP,” Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said. “But really proud of the progress he’s making. Doing a really nice job in the meeting room, on the field these last few weeks.”
With Watson reverting to the reserve/PUP list, he will not be able to practice with the team any longer. However, Watson will be able to continue his individual work at the facility as he works his way back from a pair of Achilles injuries.
Stefanski praised Watson for what he’s been able to do and the impact he’s made.
“He’s done a really good job with everything that has been asked of him. I’ve got to see him work so hard, whether it’s in the training room, by himself in the indoor with the trainers, or on the practice field for the last bit,” Stefanski said. “Just felt this was the right decision for him and us. His focus will continue to be on helping this football team and getting healthy.”
Browns QB Deshaun Watson Draws Rave Reviews
Watson has been away from football for over a year, with his last NFL action coming in October 2024. But the 30-year-old passer looked good in practice, per Mary Kay Cabot of cleveland.com.
“Watson, a three-time Pro Bowler, looked excellent in his three weeks of practice, with some saying he was most talented quarterback on the field and didn’t look like he was coming off surgeries in November of 2024 and January to repair and re-repair the Achilles,” Cabot said.
Cabot went on to note that Watson is expected to remain on the roster next season, the final year of his contract. He’ll also have an opportunity to compete for the starting job from the outset, potentially serving as a bridge quarterback — whether that’s for a rookie the Browns select in April or current starter Shedeur Sanders, according to Cabot.
Browns QB Shedeur Sanders Not Concerned About Future
There’s a lot of chatter and uncertainty regarding the Browns’ quarterback situation moving forward. But Sanders is not getting ahead of himself with two games remaining in his rookie season.
“I live in the present. I’m focused on this week, this game, each week, in every game because nothing’s promised going into next year or anything,” Sanders said on Tuesday. “So, I stay in the moment, stay focused on what I have to do now to even be able to be here next year, and I just enjoy life.”
Sanders has gone 1-4 in his five starts. But his record does not tell the whole story. The fifth-round rookie has shown significant upside with his ability to make plays off-schedule. He’s also drawn consistent praise for his work ethic. His next challenge will be against a stingy Steelers‘ squad. Cleveland closes out the year against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Browns Make Final Deshaun Watson Decision Ahead of Steelers Game appeared first on Heavy Sports.