Deshaun Watson has been sidelined since tearing his Achilles in Week 7 of the 2024 season, and the Cleveland Browns quarterback is pushing to get back on the field. While his workout videos show progress, the team remains quiet about when, or even if, he will return this season, creating a complicated situation for the franchise and its high-priced QB.
Will Deshaun Watson Actually Play for the Browns This Season?
Deshaun Watson continues to rehab his twice-ruptured Achilles, and the team has not yet opened his practice window. Despite the uncertainty, quarterbacks coach Bill Musgrave noted that Watson has been in every meeting and is working hard to return, stating the quarterback has “a lot of tread left on his tire.”
There are reports that the Browns could trade Shedeur Sanders before the deadline. @TonyGrossi shares his thoughts on if it could happen…
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Adding to the speculation, according to NFL analyst Tony Grossi, a potential timeline is emerging on Friday. “I’ve heard that they anticipate having him cleared medically after the bye week, which means they would then have up to three weeks to activate him or they could activate him sooner than that. So, timing-wise it could happen.”
However, Coach Kevin Stefanski has consistently avoided committing to any specific timeline for Watson’s return. “I know we haven’t seen him as part of the throwing process with the team and those types of things,” Stefanski said. “But he’s working very hard.”
Even if Watson receives medical clearance, he is not guaranteed to reclaim the starting job, despite having a year left on his five-year, $230 million contract. The Browns appear to be in the middle of a rebuild, and rookie Dillon Gabriel has yet to throw an interception in his first three starts. The team also has plans to evaluate fellow rookie Shedeur Sanders later this season.
Despite the questions surrounding his role, Watson remains confident. In a video posted to social media, he addressed the situation, saying, “Everyone is doubting me, everyone don’t believe in me. Everyone don’t think I can get back to where I was. But I know, and I believe the work that I put in, that I believe in myself… I know, I’m gonna be way better than before.”
Meanwhile, coaches report that Watson has remained fully engaged behind the scenes. Offensive coordinator Tommy Rees mentioned that he has been attending team meetings, mentoring Gabriel and Sanders, and helping break down defensive coverages. Rees added that Watson’s leadership has been “really positive” for the two rookie quarterbacks.
