The Cleveland Browns have designated quarterback Deshaun Watson to return to practice from the physically unable to perform list, marking a significant step in his recovery from a season-ending Achilles injury. This decision, announced on Wednesday in Berea, Ohio, opens a 21-day practice window for Watson, who has not played since suffering a ruptured right Achilles tendon in October 2024.
Watson, now 30 years old, missed the final ten games of the 2024 season due to this injury. He underwent a second surgery in January after re-tearing the Achilles, leading to the Browns announcing he would miss a substantial portion of the 2025 season. As part of his return to the field, Watson will be limited in practice initially, focusing on individual drills, according to Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski.
Next Steps in Watson’s Recovery
Stefanski noted that the next phase for Watson may involve scout team quarterback reps, emphasizing the importance of getting Watson back to practicing regularly. “His focus, my focus, is obviously getting him back to playing football, practicing football, which he hasn’t done in over a year,” Stefanski stated. He added that the organization’s priority right now is Watson’s return to the field.
The Browns face a critical decision at the end of the practice window. They must activate Watson to the 53-man roster, or he will be sidelined for the remainder of the current season. When asked if the organization aims to see Watson play before the season concludes, Stefanski indicated that this was not a central focus at this time.
Watson’s career with the Browns has been tumultuous. Since being traded from the Houston Texans in March 2022 for three first-round draft picks, he has faced multiple challenges, including an 11-game suspension following allegations of sexual assault and inappropriate conduct involving more than two dozen women. Additionally, Watson missed the final eight games of the 2023 season due to surgery on his throwing shoulder.
Challenges and Future Considerations
Since Watson’s debut with the team, he has struggled to find his footing, recording a Total QBR of 33.1. This statistic would rank him just above rookie Cam Ward of the Tennessee Titans if he had enough starts to qualify. The Browns’ owner, Jimmy Haslam, described the trade for Watson as a “big swing-and-miss,” reflecting the team’s frustrations with the investment.
Financially, the Browns are committed to Watson, as they still owe him $46 million for the upcoming season. Furthermore, he carries a staggering $80.7 million cap hit for the 2026 season, the largest in the NFL. This financial burden adds pressure on the organization to see a return on their significant investment.
With Watson sidelined, the Browns have turned to multiple quarterbacks this season, including Joe Flacco, Dillon Gabriel, and Shedeur Sanders. Sanders, a fifth-round draft pick, has started the last two games and is set to make his third career start against the Tennessee Titans this coming Sunday. As the Browns navigate this critical period, all eyes will be on Watson as he attempts to reclaim his place on the field.
