Browns Insider Reveals Timeline for Potential Deshaun Watson Return
The Cleveland Browns could soon have Deshaun Watson back under center as the team’s starting quarterback.
Watson is out after he re-tore his Achilles, but he is closing in on a potential return. The Browns acquired Watson in 2022, but his time with Cleveland has been a disappointment as he’s struggled to stay healthy, and when he’s on the field, his play has struggled.
However, Browns insider Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com believes Watson could return to the field this season and expects the quarterback to be available come October.
“The Browns also have Bailey Zappe on the practice squad, and Deshaun Watson progressing in his rehab from his re-torn Achilles,” Cabot wrote. “Watson, who’s on the reserve/Physically Unable to Perform list, is eligible to have his 21-day practice window open beginning this week. He’s not expected to be ready until sometime in October, but he’s eligible nonetheless.”
Cabot believes Watson could come in and start for the Browns and replace the struggling Joe Flacco. Although Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders are options to start for the Browns, Watson is owed the most money, and if he’s healthy, he likely gives the team the best chance to win.
Watson has two years left on his five-year, $230 million deal.
Browns Unlikely to Make Quarterback Change
Cleveland has remained with Flacco as the team’s starting quarterback, and that will remain the case for the foreseeable future.
Despite the Browns’ offensive struggles, coach Kevin Stefanski confirmed Flacco would remain the team’s starting quarterback.
“When we struggle like we did on offense, I understand the question. But it’s not our focus,” Stefanski said… “It’s never going to be about one person. We’re not doing a good enough job. I put myself in there as well. We have to be better.”
Flacco, meanwhile, addressed the calls for him to be benched after Cleveland was blown out by the Detroit Lions in Week 4.
“You can’t think about it when you’re a player. I know what I signed up for. I signed up to compete for a job and lead this team to victories,” Flacco said from the podium. “You know everyone is being evaluated in this league. That’s no different for any position. It’s disappointing to go out there and play the way we played today. Other than that, not worried about all that stuff.”
Flacco has gone 93-for-160 for 815 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 6 interceptions in 4 games this season.
Cleveland Owner Took Aim at Watson Trade
Although Watson still could return this season, Browns owner Jimmy Haslam admitted the trade was a failure.
Before the season started, Haslam said the team took a big swing on acquiring Watson and it was a miss.
“We took a big swing-and-miss with Deshaun,” Haslam said. “We thought we had the quarterback; we didn’t. And we gave up a lot of draft picks to get him, so we’ve got to dig ourselves out of that hole. [The trade] was an entire organization decision and it ends with Dee [Haslam] and I, so hold us accountable.”
Even though Watson could make an impact in 2025 and in 2026, it appears the Browns aren’t counting on it.
Packers’ Late-Game Collapse Raises Super Bowl Questions: Is LaFleur to Blame?
Packers’ Bizarre Tie Raises Serious Questions About Their Super Bowl Hopes
Green Bay Packers’ performance in their 40-40 tie against the Dallas Cowboys left fans and experts alike scratching their heads. What should have been a chance to bounce back after a disappointing loss to the Cleveland Browns turned into another head-scratcher for the Packers.
The game ended with the Packers taking a conservative approach in overtime, choosing to run out the clock rather than aggressively drive for the win. With just one second left on the clock, Jordan Love’s final pass was incomplete, saving Green Bay from a second consecutive loss but leaving them with more questions than answers.
Many experts have raised concerns about head coach Matt LaFleur's decisions, particularly his reluctance to trust Love in a critical moment. LaFleur’s play-calling at the end of the game, focused on draining the clock, was met with widespread criticism. As NFL analyst Benjamin Solak put it, “Playing for the tie is poor. They should have gone for the win.”
Former Packers quarterback Kurt Benkert did not hold back, saying, “Handcuffing your $55 million QB in overtime was a choice. Especially after he’s gotten you 37 points.” It was clear that many felt Love had proven himself capable of taking charge, but LaFleur’s conservative tactics hindered his chances.
On the defensive side, defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley’s unit showed cracks. After being one of the league’s top-ranked defenses, they struggled against Dallas, allowing critical plays and failing to close out the game. Their inability to get the job done when it mattered most has raised doubts about whether the Packers have the defense to compete in the playoffs.
Despite Love’s strong individual performance, throwing for over 300 yards and three touchdowns, the Packers’ inability to seal the win has caused widespread concern. With a tie on the record, it feels like a missed opportunity for Green Bay to assert themselves as legitimate Super Bowl contenders. As they look ahead, LaFleur and his team will need to address these critical issues if they want to keep their championship hopes alive.
