Ex-Texans QB Deshaun Watson Taking Major Step Toward Forcing Decision
Deshaun Watson’s journey back to the field remains a source of intrigue as the former Houston Texans franchise quarterback finds himself nearing a state of limbo with the Cleveland Browns.
Watson clearly wants to play again.
However, as he recovers from a re-torn Achilles tendon, speculation about whether or not the Browns would allow Watson back on the field remains. Moreover, the Browns’ potential lack of interest in that could outweigh the reality that Watson is their best QB when healthy.
Deshaun Watson Set for ‘Medical Rechecks’
Watson, 29, has started 19 games for the Browns, who acquired him from the Texans and signed him to a five-year, $230 million contract in 2022. He had surgery to repair his re-torn Achilles tendon in January.
The Browns have largely remained mum on the three-time Pro Bowler, but that could change very soon.
Watson is set for reexamination, which could force the Browns to address his situation.
“You never really know. The Browns, the only thing that they ever, ever say about Deshaun is no decisions to make to be made, nothing to talk about until he is cleared medically,” Mary Kay Cabot told Dan Labbe on “Orange and Brown Talk” on November 4.
Watson has thrown for 3,365 yards,19 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions on 63.4% completion during his Browns tenure, leading Cleveland to a 9-10 record as their starter.
He has posted numerous workout videos since his surgery, some from the Browns’ facilities.
Deshaun Watson Believes in Browns’ Talent
Cabot was clear that, while Watson may be able to help the Browns, the former Texans star would be dealing with a lackluster offense in addition to his long layoff, and that it would be difficult for any QB to overcome.
The longtime journalist also argued in favor of the Browns turning to Watson to close the year, should their two rookies – Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders – fail to progress as hoped.
Still, that opportunity may never come.
“Who knows? Maybe he can. I think he feels like he can. From people that I’ve talked to, he feels like he can come in and be successful with this football team. So, I don’t know if he’ll get that chance. I have no idea if he’ll get that chance. He’s like ‘He Who Shall Not Be Named.’ Nobody wants to talk about him. Nobody wants to answer a question about him, and we really don’t know. We don’t even know when they are going to activate him or open his 21-day practice window.
“He may never see the field this season. He may not. But if they go with a little bit of Dillon, a little bit of Shedeur, it’s not working out, there’s a couple games left, why not? If he’s 100% cleared and healthy, I would do it. I’m curious to see if he’s got anything left in the tank. We know he thinks he does.”
More than four years removed from his final snaps with the Texans, Watson is running out of time this season with the Browns.
Chiefs Announce Exciting News With Return of Fan Favorite
The Kansas City Chiefs are coming off a tough loss to the Buffalo Bills on Sunday, November 2, on the road, and it’s a game that everyone in the Chiefs camp would like to forget. It’s rough enough that the Chiefs had lost three games going into the Bills contest, which is uncharacteristic for the team at this point in the season, but after the 28-21 loss, the Chiefs’ record went to 5-4. With that game, the Bills extended their regular season winning streak against the Chiefs, although they haven’t been able to take them down in the postseason.
Now, the Chiefs are on their NFL bye week, and they have a lot to think about during their time off. Expect some soul-searching from head coach Andy Reid, quarterback in Patrick Mahomes, tight end Travis Kelce and the team before their game on Sunday, November 16, against the Denver Broncos on the road.
But, it’s not all bad news all the time. The Chiefs have something to look forward to this season with a Christmas Day game at home. The team will take on the Denver Broncos once again on Christmas Day at Arrowhead Stadium.
A Kansas City Chiefs Favorite is Back
A beloved aspect of Christmas with the Kansas City Chiefs is coming back. On Tuesday, November 3, the team announced the return of the Kingdom’s Greetings pop-up bar at Arrowhead. The Chiefs also promise to transform the stadium “into the ultimate destination for cheer, community and red-and-gold joy,” according to a release.
“It’s exciting to once again be part of the NFL’s Christmas Day lineup and to celebrate this special time of year with our fans,” Chiefs president Mark Donovan said in an official statement. “With the return of Kingdom’s Greetings and a full slate of marquee matchups across November and December, we’re proud to create experiences that bring our community together and showcase the spirit of Chiefs Kingdom.”
The Kingdom’s Greetings pop-up bar will be up well before Christmas. In fact, the immersive holiday pop-up bar experience will run from November 28 through December 28. It runs Thursdays through Sundays weekly from 5 to 11 p.m., excluding previously booked events.
Expect a ‘Cozy Winter Wonderland’ at the Kansas City Chiefs’ Arrowhead Stadium
Kingdom’s Greetings’ goal is to “make the world’s loudest stadium transform into a cozy winter wonderland by making spirits bright with Santa-approved food and drinks in souvenir cups, festive photo opportunities, and scenic views.” Note that guests must be 21 and over to enter the special bar. One inside, they’ll be “treated to festive holiday decor for an evening that includes themed specialty holiday cocktails as well as seasonal snacks.”
The Chiefs aren’t the only team that will play on Christmas Day. The Dallas Cowboys will take on the Washington Commanders at home, and the Detroit Lions will go up against the Minnesota Vikings in Minneapolis.
The Christmas Day games mark only the third time in NFL history that the holiday will be home to a regular-season tripleheader, according to research from CBS Sports. The league has hosted at least one Christmas game since 2020, but they expanded the holiday schedule in 2024 and are doing it again in 2025.
