The Cleveland Browns face a critical decision on Deshaun Watson and are leaning in a particular direction as the deadline approaches.
Watson returned to practice on Dec. 3, triggering the Browns’ 21-day window to activate him to the active roster. That window closes next week and the Browns are expected to use the entire window to make the decision.
The Browns are “leaning” towards putting him on the reserve/physically unable to perform list, per Mary Kay Cabot of cleveland.com. That means Watson will not be able to practice with the team for the remainder of the season.
“At this point, the Browns are leaning towards letting the practice window expire, and keeping him on reserve/physically unable to perform for the remainder of the season. But that decision hasn’t been finalized, and Watson might have some say in the matter,” Cabot said. “There has been some thought to activating him so he can keep practicing with the team, but he might be better served continuing his rehab inside the facility, where he can work on specific things each day.”
Browns QB Deshaun Watson Draws Rave Reviews
Watson has drawn positive reviews since his return to practice. He’s been leaned on for his veteran presence and perspective, but has also impressed with his play. It may even put him in the running to be in the mix next season.
“From what the Browns saw, Watson, a three-time Pro Bowler, is still in play to serve as their starting ‘bridge’ quarterback at the beginning of next season in the event Sanders or a rookie isn’t ready,” Cabot said. “In fact, some have viewed Watson as the most talented QB on the field over these past three weeks. Regardless, he’ll be on the team in 2026, even if he’s the No. 2 or No. 3.”
Browns quarterbacks coach Bill Musgrave has been very complimentary of Watson’s input with the rookie quarterbacks.
“Deshaun’s doing more out there on the practice field,” Musgrave said last week. “I think each and every day he’s doing more, and it’s just great to have him out there. Like I’ve talked about, it’s been great to have him on the sideline for our young QBs. It was great to have him there for Joe (Flacco). He and Joe had a really good rapport. Of course, they were battling against each other, warriors that saw each other in the AFC for those years. So, just been a pleasure to have Deshaun here this year. I don’t know where we’d be without him.”
Shedeur Sanders Battling for Larger Role With Browns
Watson is a long shot to see the field again as a starter in a Browns uniform, given the team’s public move on from him. Owner Jimmy Haslam called the 2022 blockbuster trade for Watson a “swing and miss” this offseason.
However, Sanders is still looking to prove that he can be a long-term option for Cleveland. He’ll have to impress over the final three games to prevent the Browns from using one of their two first-round picks on a quarterback. And the whole quarterback dynamic could change if coach Kevin Stefanski is let go.
“At this point, it’s incumbent upon Sanders to prevent the Browns from drafting one of those QBs, and he still has a chance to pull it off,” Cabot said. “If the Browns don’t like one of them better, they can focus on offensive linemen and receiver with some of their top picks. It might also depend, in part, on if they keep Kevin Stefanski, and who he likes as his QB1.”
Sanders’ next test is against the Buffalo Bills and their No. 2-ranked pass defense.
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