Just as the Cleveland Browns entered the final leg of the season, they could be getting a new quarterback option. For the first time since October last year, Deshaun Watson has been moved from the physically unable to perform list to return to practice, the very first steps in his comeback. This opens a 21-day practice window for Watson, who was limited in practice on Wednesday and conducted individual drills. 

Watson had ruptured his Achilles tendon in October 2024, then re-injured the same tendon during rehab. That triggered a second surgery in January 2025, effectively putting him on the sidelines for over a year. Now, while he's back in training, the Browns have to careful, and coach Kevin Stefanski knows it. The focus isn't gametime, but proper recovery.

"His focus, my focus is obviously getting him back to playing football, practicing football, which he hasn't done in over a year. It's a good next step for him. But our focus, obviously, continues to remain on the Tennessee Titans," Stefanski explained.

And there's a good reason for that. Deshaun Warson has three weeks from now to prove that he is fit enough to play. If the window closes without activation, Watson would revert to the physically unable to perform (PUP) list for the remainder of the season.

In any case, Watson has his goals cut out for him. So far this season, he was helping the rookie QBs understand plays better. His return to practice will only help in that effort. Even Kevin Stefanski knows this.

"Shedeur’s been outstanding in the meeting room with Deshaun – Deshaun’s been outstanding with all those guys. So, it’s really an impressive group that helps each other. So, I think having Deshaun out there will be great for Shedeur, I think it’s great for Dillon."

But with Deshaun returning, does Shedeur Sanders return to the bench? Let's see what this move means for the rookie.

Shedeur Sanders Happy to See Watson Return

Well, Deshaun Watson isn't taking Shedeur's spot any time soon. When one reporter asked if Watson would get playtime, Stefanski made things clear.

"Really not the focus for me, for him, for us. Our focus is activating this practice window, seeing him on the practice field, getting him into individual, those types of things. And I think, I want to point out he’s worked really hard to rehab from this."

As for Shedeur, he's happy to learn more from a veteran QB. “I feel like it’s great he’s going out there to practice. I know he’s been working hard to recover and doing everything he’s able to do for this day," he said.

While teammates are encouraged by Watson’s return, the big question is when he can be back on the field. Let us know your thoughts in the comments!

Written by

Reyansh Dubey

Edited by

Siddharth Shirwadkar