Deshaun Watson continues to work towards a comeback as the Cleveland Browns deal with their latest wave of quarterback speculation.
The Browns made the shift to rookie Dillon Gabriel last week, benching 40-year-old veteran Joe Flacco, who started the first four games of the season, going 1-3. Cleveland traded Flacco within the division on Tuesday, sending him to the Cincinnati Bengals for a fifth-round pick.
With Flacco now out of the mix, the focus has shifted to the backup quarterback spot and who could be in line next for starting reps if Gabriel disappoints. Shedeur Sanders occupies the spot on the unofficial depth chart but Stefanksi has yet to make a final decision. Bailey Zappe, who is currently on the practice squad, is the other option.
“Still working through all roster-type things,” Stefanski said. “I always have to be mindful of our players and our players’ development and I want to make sure that I’m always doing what’s best for our players and, of course, our team.”
A notable name who could end up in the mix for the Browns is Watson, who is inching closer to a return. He’s on the reserve/physically unable to perform list but the expectation is that he’ll be ready to practice near the end of the month. Watson is coming back from a twice-ruptured Achilles, with his latest surgery coming in January.
“I know we haven’t seen him as part of the throwing process with the team and those type of things,” Stefanski said of Watson. “But he’s working very hard.”
Stefanski declined to speculate if Watson could see the field this season.
“I understand the question, but I’m so focused on this week,” he said.
Browns Called Deshaun Watson Trade ‘Swing and Miss’
The Browns traded for Watson in 2022 in a blockbuster deal. Cleveland hoped it had finally found its franchise quarterback. However, it’s been a disaster for the Browns.
Since the trade, Watson has gone just 9-10 as Cleveland’s starter and missed significant time over the last three seasons due to a suspension and injuries. In that span, he’s totaled 3,365 passing yards with 19 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. Browns owner Jimmy Haslam went as far as to call it a “swing and miss” this offseason.
However, NFL insider Albert Breer believes Watson could end up as part of the equation.
“If Deshaun gets back into the practice setting, I think there’s a pretty decent chance that it starts to show up that he could be the best option,” Breer said during an appearance on 92.3 The Fan. “Let’s take Shedeur Sanders’ last name out of it. Who do the Browns have more invested in? Who do the Browns have a better chance of getting it right long term with? I figure still Deshaun Watson.”
Browns Surprised by Joe Flacco Trade
Flacco did not ask for a trade, and the Browns were not actively shopping the former Super Bowl MVP. But the Bengals were interested and the Browns couldn’t turn down the deal.
“The Joe trade took us by surprise,” Stefanski said. “That was not something that we saw coming. They called us and it happened very fast and happened not too long ago,” Stefanski said. “It’s a young room, but I believe in those guys that they’re all working very hard. Obviously, Bailey’s (Zappe) the elder statesman right now, but Deshaun’s (Watson) in there, can provide great insight to the young guys. I trust in Coach (Bill) Musgrave, Coach (Tommy) Rees, those type of things.”
The Browns head to Pittsburgh this week to take on the Steelers. Gabriel will look to build off a 190-yard, two-touchdown performance in his debut.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Browns Provide Update on Deshaun Watson After Flacco Trade appeared first on Heavy Sports.