Outside of injured quarterback Deshaun Watson, the Cleveland Browns have four quarterbacks on the roster, and even after minicamp, it’s still unclear who will be the starter. Barring 40-year-old Joe Flacco, all are relatively inexperienced. If none of them proves effective by midseason, what will the Browns do?
There has been speculation in recent weeks that Watson could return by October, offering an optimistic scenario for the Browns to salvage their season. However, Browns insider Mary Kay Cabot believes it’s a long shot that Watson will play at all in 2025, let alone by October.
Browns Insider Doesn’t Envision Deshaun Watson Playing in 2025
Watson suffered back-to-back Achilles injuries last season. While the team has not officially ruled him out, it has long been expected that he would miss the entire 2025 season.
You can see Deshaun Watson pop his achilles on this play.#CINvsCLE pic.twitter.com/R5Kx9Nr2Sn
— Benchwarmer Sports (@bwsportsmemes) October 20, 2024
Still, Browns fans became more optimistic after Watson was seen at minicamp. Although he did little on the field, Cabot reported the quarterback had been “throwing inside the building to receivers such as Jerry Jeudy and David Bell since last month without his walking boot.”
She also reported speculation that Watson could return to practice by October, which generated further optimism about the quarterback possibly featuring in some games. However, the Cleveland.com reporter has since clarified that she doesn’t envision him playing at all in 2025, even if he returns to practice in October.
“What I meant by that line was some sources said he could be ready to practice by October, but it remains to be seen if the Browns would even think of activating him that soon after his second Achilles surgery,” she told Baskin & Phelps of 92.3 The Fan. “So, I think there’s some thought, Deshaun is optimistic that he can do that. He’s throwing the ball now to some receivers in the building.
“But I think it’s an enormous long shot for Deshaun Watson to see the field at all this year. Right now, they have four quarterbacks who are vying for playing time, and I would think that you have to get through all four before putting Deshaun on the field. So, unless something really drastic happens, I don’t envision it this year. I think they will probably proceed with caution.”
Cabot further revealed that veteran Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett are the frontrunners for the starting job in the first half of the season. If they don’t produce satisfying results, rookies Shedeur Sanders or Dillon Gabriel would get a chance.
Cabot also suggested that if none of the four quarterbacks perform well, there is some chance Watson could be activated, but that, again, is a long shot, and the Browns wouldn’t want to risk him just to win a couple of games.
