The Cleveland Browns have announced that rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders will start for the remainder of the season, surpassing fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel in the depth chart. This decision comes in light of significant developments regarding Deshaun Watson, who has been officially designated for a return to practice.
On Wednesday morning, the Browns confirmed that Watson is now eligible to participate in team practices, marking a crucial step in his recovery process. The franchise has a 21-day window to either activate him to the active roster or place him on the physically unable to perform list for the remainder of the season. Watson has not played since suffering a torn Achilles tendon in October 2024, which required a second surgery on January 9, 2025, after he re-injured the Achilles during his recovery.
While a report from November suggested that Watson might not return to practice until January 2025, the current situation indicates he could potentially serve as a backup quarterback for at least one game before the season concludes. The Browns signed Watson to a fully guaranteed five-year contract worth $230 million after acquiring him from the Houston Texans in March 2022, making it one of the most controversial trades in NFL history. To date, Watson has started just 19 regular-season games for the Browns, with a disappointing record of one win out of seven starts last season.
During a news conference on Wednesday, Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski commented on Watson’s rehabilitation, stating he has been “working so hard” throughout the season. When asked if the team plans to have Watson participate in games in the coming month, Stefanski replied, “Really not my focus. Not his focus right this minute. His focus is putting a helmet on, shoulder pads, throwing a football.”
As the Browns prepare for their upcoming game against the Tennessee Titans, Sanders will take the lead role as the starter. The Browns, currently sitting at a 3-9 record, will face the Titans, who hold a record of 1-11. Sanders has so far achieved a 1-1 record as a starter, while Gabriel managed only one win in his first six starts.
The ongoing situation raises questions about Watson’s future with the Browns. Speculation surrounds the possibility of an organizational reset that could include parting ways with both Watson and Stefanski. Despite the uncertainty, it appears Watson may need to return to the active roster before any decisions regarding his long-term status with the team are made.
