Browns Make Major Move Involving Quarterback Deshaun Watson
The Cleveland Browns have made a major quarterback move.
Cleveland is set to host the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, as Shedeur Sanders will start his third-straight game. However, on Wednesday, the Browns opened the 21-day practice window for quarterback Deshaun Watson.
Watson has been on injured reserve due to an Achilles injury, and the team hasn’t given much information on his potential.
On Monday, Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski was asked about Watson potentially returning to practice, and he wasn’t sure when or if that would happen.
“I don’t have an update there,” Stefanski said. … “I just don’t have an official update on that.”
Now, just two days later, the Browns have opened the 21-day window for Watson. Meaning, he’s allowed to practice. It also could lead to him returning to the field later this year, as perhaps the Browns let him start one of the final games of the season.
Watson is in the midst of a five-year, $230 million deal. He last played on Oct. 20, 2024, when he tore his Achilles tendon, before re-injuring it this offseason.
Watson’s Future With Browns in Doubt
Although the Browns did open the 21-day practice window for Watson, it’s uncertain he will even play this season.
Cleveland may opt to continue with Shedeur Sanders to see what they have in him. Watson, meanwhile, may also not have a future with the Browns, as before the season started, owner Jimmy Haslam admitted the Watson trade was a failure.
“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 and I, so hold us accountable.”
Although Watson is under contract through 2026, the Browns could decide to cut him after the season and start fresh at quarterback. But perhaps Watson can return to the field and provide the offense a spark and earn a chance at starting again for the team next season.
For now, Watson will return to practice on Wednesday. After the practice, Stefanski will likely give an update on the veteran quarterback and whether or not he has a chance to play this season.
Sanders Set for Third-Straight Start
Although Watson will be back at practice, Sanders will remain the starting quarterback on Sunday.
Sanders is set for his third-straight start, and the quarterback is looking to build off his frustrating performance against the San Francisco 49ers.
“Yeah, you could tell whenever we build momentum, you can see it,” Sanders said on Sunday. “I’m sure y’all all able to see it when we out there, when we confident, and I’m sure y’all able to see when we out there and we not. So, it’s about being more confident whenever we are getting slow. It’s about rallying the guys. And I didn’t do a great job of that today. Rallying everybody together whenever things aren’t going our way and staying focused and staying on it.
“So that’s something off the field, I know I got to improve is, even when I shoot my shot and I miss, I just got to keep shooting and I got to keep having everybody, bringing everybody together, you know what I’m saying? Cause I know the offense. I know the team counts on me to do my job and do what I have to do. And I feel like I failed them today.”
The Browns are a 4.5-point favorite over the Titans on Sunday.
49ers’ Brock Purdy breaks silence on first career toe injury
San Francisco 49ers star quarterback Brock Purdy spoke for the first time since sustaining shoulder and toe injuries in the team's season opener to start the 2025 NFL season.
The 49ers began the season with a win over the Seattle Seahawks but lost Purdy in the process. He is on pace to miss his second week as he hopes to return to the field as soon as possible.
Purdy revealed his thoughts on the injuries as the 49ers prepare for their Week 4 matchup, per reporter Cam Inman. He is always ready to be ready for each game, no matter how hurt he is.
“Definitely got to see come game time how I feel. Obviously I want to play every game, dude. … If you ask’d me, I’d love to but I’m trying to be smart with my body,” Purdy said.
ESPN's NFL insider Adam Schefter later reported an update on Purdy. He stated that the quarterback has been a limited participant in the team's practice on Thursday, showing the progress he is making in his recovery.
“For the second straight day today, the 49ers listed QB Brock Purdy as a limited participant in practice due to his toe and left shoulder injuries,” Schefter wrote.
