Deshaun Watson has returned to practice for the Cleveland Browns, but the former Houston Texans star seemingly remains as far from seeing the field as ever. The latest comments from his head coach, Kevin Stefanski, do not paint an optimistic picture.
Stefanski has been non-committal to Watson throughout the three-time Pro Bowler’s push to get back on the field.
Watson is in his fourth season with the Browns, but has not played since Week 7 in 2024.
Browns HC Kevin Stefanski Remains Non-Committal to Ex-Texans QB Deshaun Watson
GettyDeshaun Watson #4 of the Cleveland Browns on the sideline during a game against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Watson has played in 19 games for the Browns since they acquired him from the Texans during the 2022 offseason. After rehabbing a ruptured–and the re-ruptured–Achilles tendon, he wants to play.
The Browns opened Watson’s 21-day practice window, giving them three weeks to decide on activating him off the Reserve/Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list.
At the very least, Stefanski was not going to tip his hand.
“I would say not my focus, … for right now,” Stefanski told reporters on December 15. “I’m very, very pleased with the progress that Deshaun’s making on the field, in the classroom. He’s doing a really good job.”
As ominous as that may sound for Watson, Stefanski expressed similar sentiments just before the Browns opened the former Texans QB’s practice window.
Watson is expected to remain with the Browns into next season.
He has one more year on his five-year, $230 million contract, and the financial ramifications of cutting him make it more feasible for the Browns to retain him, even if they draft a quarterback early in the 2026 draft.
The Browns have until December 24 to activate Watson, or the ex-Texans star will be out for the rest of the season.
Deshaun Watson Making Positive Impact
GettyDeshaun Watson #4 of the Cleveland Browns looks on against the Los Angeles Rams.
Despite his post-Texans career stalling multiple times, Watson has positively impacted the Browns during his tenure. Browns QB coach Bill Musgrave has praised Watson’s efforts in bringing along rookie teammates Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders.
He also noted that Watson worked well with Joe Flacco before the Browns traded the latter to the Cincinnati Bengals before the deadline.
Musgrave noted last week that Watson has been “doing more out there on the practice field.”
“More than he did last week, and we’re gonna have some good drills with him today and get him some plays. And so, I think each and every day, he’s doing more, and it’s just great to have him out there,” Musgrave told reporters on December 12.
“It’s been great to have him on the sideline for our young QBs. It was great to have him there for Joe. He and Joe have had a really good rapport. Of course, they were battling against each other, warriors that saw each other, of course, 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.”
Deshaun Watson Running Browns Scout Team
GettyDeshaun Watson #4 of the Cleveland Browns reacts against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Musgrave was asked to clarify his comments about Watson receiving “plays,” confirming that the ex-Texans QB has run the Browns’ scout team in practice.
It has served as a bonus for the coach and the quarterback.
“Some scout team and some simulation. A lot of times when there’s a drill going on, we go try to steal some plays in the back. And I try to play center, and we recruit some guys to play wide receiver,” Musgrave said.
“It’s almost like having a meeting on our feet. It’s a more active meeting than sitting in the classroom looking at the overhead projector.”
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