The Cleveland Browns are taking their decision on Deshaun Watson down to the wire.
Cleveland has until Tuesday to activate Watson to the 53-man roster. If the team opts not to do so before the deadline, his 21-day practice window will expire and he will remain on the reserve/PUP list for the remainder of the season. In that scenario, Watson would also be prohibited from continuing to practice with the team.
Browns coach Kevin Stefanski did not have an update on Watson’s situation during his availability on Monday but plans to provide one on Tuesday.
“No update today,” Stefanski said. “I believe the window expires tomorrow, so I’ll have an update for you guys tomorrow.”
Report: Browns Unlikely to Activate Deshaun Watson
Even if activated, Watson is unlikely to see the field for the Browns this season. Cleveland remains focused on evaluating Shedeur Sanders down the stretch, and if Sanders were unavailable for any reason, Dillon Gabriel would be next in line.
Browns insider Mary Kay Cabot of cleveland.com reported that the team is currently “leaning” toward letting Watson’s practice window expire.
“Watson, who had his 21-day practice window opened by the Browns on Dec. 3, is expected to have the window expire after practice Tuesday and remain on Reserve/Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) for the final two weeks of the season,” Cabot said. “The decision wasn’t written in stone on Monday and could change, but it’s leaning that way.”
Watson is still working his way back from a pair of Achilles surgeries. Before returning to practice, Watson — the Browns’ $230 million quarterback — had been out of football for more than a year.
Deshaun Watson Earns Praise From Browns
Watson has received positive reviews since returning to practice, with the Browns leaning on him not only for his veteran presence but also for his on-field performance. His recent work has been encouraging enough that he could factor into the team’s plans beyond this 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.”
Watson’s impact has also extended to the development of Sanders and Gabriel, drawing praise from quarterbacks coach Bill Musgrave.
“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. … So, just been a pleasure to have Deshaun here this year. I don’t know where we’d be without him.”
The Browns will host the Pittsburgh Steelers in their home finale this week. Cleveland will close out the season against the Cincinnati Bengals.
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