The wait for former Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson appears to be nearing an end, finally, after months of work and a lack of clarity from his head coach.
Watson is in his fourth season with the Cleveland Browns.
Watson, whom the Texans selected No. 12 overall in 2017, has yet to take the field in 2025. And despite all of the workout videos Watson has shared along the way, he still has obstacles to clear before he is able to return to the field for a game.
Former Texans QB Deshaun Watson Returning to Practice
GettyDeshaun Watson #4 of the Houston Texans reacts during a preseason game against the Minnesota Vikings.
Watson’s trade from the Texans to the Browns was a blockbuster, but injuries have limited him to 19 games for Cleveland. The Browns’ announcement marks the first true update from the franchise on Watson since placing him on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list in July.
“The Cleveland Browns have designated QB Deshaun Watson for return to practice,” the Browns announced in a statement via the team’s official website. “Watson started the first seven games of the 2024 season. He threw for 1,148 yards and five touchdowns, while adding 148 rushing yards with a score. He sustained an Achilles injury in Week 7 against the Bengals and was placed on injured reserve on Oct. 22. Watson underwent two surgeries to repair his right Achilles tendon rupture, the first on Oct. 25 and the second on Jan. 9.
“A player designated for return has 21 days to be activated or must remain on the reserve list for the remainder of the season.”
The Browns have until Week 17 to make their final decision on Watson for this season.
Watson, 30, led the league in passing yards during his final season on the field with the Texans, finishing the campaign with 4,823 yards in 2020. The three-time Pro Bowler has thrown for 3,365 yards combined in his three seasons with the Browns.
The Browns also signed Watson to a five-year, $230 million, fully guaranteed contract extension following the trade with the Texans, tying him to the team through 2026.
That has created an unamicable situation, but Watson has been a team player.
Browns Coaching Staff Seemingly Split on Deshaun Watson
Getty ImagesDeshaun Watson #4 of the Cleveland Browns looks on before a game against the Carolina Panthers.
Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski has been reluctant to commit to Watson in any sense, including when asked about potentially opening the former Texans star’s practice window this season.
Asked on Monday, Stefanski told reporters, “I just don’t have an official update on that.”
Watson has, however, made a strong impression on Browns QB coach Bill Musgrave, who touted the ex-Texans QB1’s work, mentoring teammates Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders.
“I like when those two birds [Gabriel and Watson] converse. I like when they’re talking over there, and I try to take myself out of the equation,” Musgrave told reporters in October. “He hasn’t been on the road, and we miss him on the road. It’s great to have his presence on the sideline for our young group.”
The Browns are 3-9 on the season, and all plans are geared toward the future. Still, the latest twist in Watson’s career is one of the most positive since his trade from the Texans to the Browns three years ago.
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