Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders declined to dive into the impact of Deshaun Watson’s return, keeping his comments brief after the veteran rejoined the team on the practice field.
The Browns announced Wednesday that they’re opening Watson’s practice window, giving the veteran quarterback 21 days to be activated to the 53-man roster. If he’s not added within that period, Watson will remain on injured reserve for the rest of the season.
Watson is recovering from a twice-ruptured Achilles tendon, with his latest surgery in January. He’s been out of football for more than a year, although he’s been working on his own in preparation for a comeback.
“I feel like it’s great he’s going out there to practice,” Sanders said. “I know he’s been working hard to recover and doing everything he’s able to do for this day.”
Watson’s looming return adds another twist to an already tangled quarterback situation in Cleveland. Sanders seized the starting job in Week 12, pushing Gabriel to the bench, and it’s unclear where — or if — Watson fits into the picture as the season winds down. His path back to the field remains uncertain after more than a year away.
The Browns now have four quarterbacks in the mix: Sanders, Gabriel, Watson and practice-squad option Bailey Zappe. How Cleveland sorts through that depth chart in the coming weeks is anyone’s guess.
Browns QB Shedeur Sanders Declines to Elaborate on Deshaun Watson’s Influence
Getty ImagesBrowns quarterback Deshaun Watson has returned to practice.
While sidelined, Watson has taken on a veteran mentor role for the Browns’ rookie quarterbacks. He’s made his presence felt in the meeting room and has been a resource on the sideline during several game days. Quarterbacks coach Bill Musgrave previously praised Watson for the steady leadership and guidance he’s provided.
“I try to take myself out of the equation – I don’t need to be there hovering all over them … We miss him on the road,” Musgrave said in October. “It’s great to have his presence on the sideline for our young group.”
Sanders has been seen interacting with Watson on the sideline during game days. However, he declined to go into detail on what he’s learned from the former Pro Bowler.
“What we do in there, we gonna keep it in there for sure,” Sanders said.
Browns QB Shedeur Sanders Plays Down Cam Ward Matchup
GettyThe Browns face No. 1 overall pick Cam Ward this week.
It’s a big week for Watson after suffering the first loss as a starter last week against the San Francisco 49ers. And it comes against the Tennessee Titans and No. 1 overall pick Cam Ward. Sanders has a relationship with Ward but played down the matchup.
“I would say I’m just excited for the opportunity to go out there and play,” said Sanders, who slipped to the fifth round in the draft. “Last week’s showing wasn’t the best, so just having the opportunity to go out there and play.
“Cam’s competitive, it’s always fun, you know, getting out there, training with him. And then, we both ended up getting drafted, and we both went our separate ways. And that’s really everybody that I played in college with almost, you know, everybody’s focused on what they got to do, and it’s all love whenever we see each other.”
The Browns are a slight 4.5-point favorite for the matchup.
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