Deshaun Watson is back at practice but will not be suiting up for a Week 15 matchup against the Chicago Bears.
The Browns have ruled Watson out for the game, marking his second missed contest since returning to practice. Watson returned to practice on Dec. 3 in a limited capacity. Cleveland has until Dec. 24 to activate Watson to the 53-man roster. If they do not do so by then, Watson will spend what’s left of the season on the PUP list.
Browns coach Kevin Stefanski provided a typically vague update about Watson on Dec. 12.
“Just a continued progression for him physically, mentally. I think he did a nice job with what we asked him to do,” Stefanski said.
He credited Watson — as well as practice squad QB Dillon Gabriel — for helping the team’s rookie quarterbacks, Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel.
“I’d give Deshaun a lot of credit. I’d give Bailey Zappe a lot of credit. I think there’s always value when you get reinforced coaching points from your peers and from your teammates,” Stefanski said. “I think Tommy (Rees) and Mus (Bill Musgrave) do a great job in that room, but it doesn’t hurt to have guys that have started games in this league to answer questions and to provide experiences to our young players.”
Cleveland also ruled out right tackle Jack Conklin, defensive tackle Adin Huntington, tight end David Njoku, running back Dylan Sampson, right guard Wyatt Teller, and cornerback Denzel Ward.
Shedeur Sanders Starting the Rest of Season for Browns
Even if Watson is activated, it’s unlikely he’ll take the field this season. The Browns have named Sanders the starter for the final four games, giving the rookie some runway as he looks to prove he can be a long-term option.
“I’ve been really impressed by his work ethic. And that’s going back to since the moment he got here,” Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said on Dec. 8. “He’s still very early into his career, and he would tell you the same. You want to have constant improvement in everything you’re doing. There’s moments in these games that come up that are hard to replicate in practice. You can talk through them on tape, you can talk through them in a walk through, and then you get the rep in a game, and that’s the most valuable learning tool you can have. And I think he will only take all of that and use that to his development moving forward.”
Sanders has passed for 769 yards, five touchdowns and three interceptions through three starts. He’s gone 1-2 in those games. Sanders is coming off a breakout performance in a 31-29 loss to the Tennessee Titans. He passed for 364 yards and accounted for four touchdowns.
Deshaun Watson to Remain With Browns
The Browns plan to keep Deshaun Watson on the roster next season. His fully guaranteed $230 million contract runs through the 2026 season, and moving on from him would leave Cleveland with record-setting dead-cap charges if they parted ways with him.
But the decision isn’t purely financial. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the Browns also value Watson’s presence as a veteran voice in the locker room, viewing his experience as an asset even as the organization continues to evaluate its long-term plans at quarterback.
“The Browns believe Watson has contributed to their quarterback room and provided a veteran presence that has had value for their rookie quarterbacks,” Schefter said. “That’s another reason he was back at practice last week and is expected back with the team next season.”
Watson has gone 9-10 as the starter in Cleveland since arriving via a blockbuster trade in 2022.
Browns Make Deshaun Watson Decision Ahead of Bears Game