Full Breakdown
Deshaun Watson's Uncertain Return: A Deep Dive into the Cleveland Browns' Quarterback Situation
11/12/2025, 9:11:29 PM
Current Status of Deshaun Watson
Deshaun Watson, the Cleveland Browns' quarterback, remains on the Reserve/Physically Unable to Perform list as he continues to recover from a re-ruptured Achilles tendon. Despite reports of his "excellent progress," the Browns have decided not to open his 21-day practice window this week, as confirmed by Browns insider Mary Kay Cabot. Head coach Kevin Stefanski expressed uncertainty regarding Watson's return, stating, “I’m not sure if that’s what we’re doing.” Watson initially suffered the Achilles injury in October 2024 and underwent a second surgery in January 2025, which has sidelined him for the entirety of the current season.
Impact on the Browns' Quarterback Depth Chart
With Watson unavailable, rookie Dillon Gabriel has taken over as the starting quarterback. Gabriel's performance has been underwhelming, with a record of 1-4 and statistics showing only 869 passing yards, seven touchdowns, and two interceptions. The Browns have also drafted Shedeur Sanders, who remains the backup but has yet to see any regular-season action. The team's struggles have led to calls from fans for Sanders to be given a chance, but the coaching staff has opted to stick with Gabriel for the time being.
Organizational Decisions and Future Implications
The Browns' decision-making regarding Watson has been scrutinized, especially following the controversial trade that brought him to Cleveland in 2022. Paul DePodesta, the former chief strategy officer for the Browns, recently reflected on the trade, describing it as a collective organizational decision. He emphasized that such significant moves involve multiple stakeholders, stating, “Everyone who was a part of that? We all own that.” The trade has been criticized as one of the worst in NFL history, particularly given Watson's limited availability and the hefty $230 million fully guaranteed contract he signed.
Criticism and Opposition
Critics of Watson's tenure in Cleveland have voiced their frustrations, with some fans expressing a desire for the team to move on from him entirely. Browns owner Jimmy Haslam has publicly acknowledged the trade as a “swing and miss,” indicating a shift in focus toward evaluating younger quarterbacks like Gabriel and Sanders. Insider Ken Carman has suggested that many fans are ready to see Watson cut from the team, reflecting a broader sentiment of disappointment regarding his performance and the circumstances surrounding his acquisition.
What's Next for Watson and the Browns?
The Browns are expected to reassess Watson's situation in the coming weeks, with a potential timeline for his return becoming clearer as he continues his rehabilitation. However, the organization appears to be preparing for a future without him, especially with two first-round picks in the upcoming draft. The Browns' current strategy seems to prioritize evaluating their young quarterbacks while keeping Watson sidelined, potentially leading to a significant shift in the team's quarterback landscape in the near future.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I’m not sure if that’s what we’re doing.” — Kevin Stefanski, Head Coach
- “Everyone who was a part of that? We all own that. We just do, that's part of the deal.” — Paul DePodesta, Former Chief Strategy Officer
- “We took a big swing-and-miss with Deshaun,” — Jimmy Haslam, Owner
- “Everyone is doubting me. Everyone don't believe in me,” — Deshaun Watson, Quarterback
In summary, Deshaun Watson's future with the Cleveland Browns remains uncertain as he continues to recover from injury, while the team navigates a challenging season with rookie quarterbacks at the helm. The implications of his potential return and the decisions made by the organization will be closely monitored as the season progresses.
