Will Deshaun Watson Play for the Cleveland Browns in 2025?
Deshaun Watson, the 30-year-old quarterback, remains a focal point of discussion as he seeks to return to the Cleveland Browns in the 2025 season. After enduring consecutive Achilles injuries, his last appearance for the team dates back over a year. Currently, the Browns are testing rookie quarterbacks Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel as they look for a reliable starter.
Current Status of Deshaun Watson
Watson’s transition back onto the field has been challenging. In his tenure with the Browns, he has played 19 games, accumulating 3,365 passing yards, 19 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. His performance marks a significant decline from his previous years with the Houston Texans.
Injury and Recovery Updates
As of now, Watson is on injured reserve. Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski recently addressed the media regarding Watson’s recovery but offered no concrete updates. “I don’t have an update there,” Stefanski stated during a press conference on December 1.
There was a similar lack of updates during a previous press conference in mid-November, where Stefanski reiterated that he could not comment on Watson’s future with the team. Despite not being cleared to practice yet, Watson has been seen at the team’s facilities and on the sidelines, providing guidance to rookie quarterbacks.
- Injuries: Consecutive Achilles injuries have sidelined Watson.
- Games Played: 19 games with the Cleveland Browns.
- Performance Stats: 3,365 passing yards, 19 touchdowns, 12 interceptions.
- Completion Rate: 61.2% completion rate indicates a downturn in performance.
Quarterback Battle in Cleveland
The Browns are currently fluctuating between Sanders and Gabriel as their starting quarterback. Both rookies have yet to secure their position as long-term solutions. Watson’s experience and leadership have been beneficial, as he has been coaching up Sanders during practice sessions.
Future Prospects for Watson
Watson’s aspiration to return to football remains strong. Quarterbacks coach Bill Musgrave remarked positively about Watson’s desire to play again, emphasizing that he feels capable and eager. However, the Browns face a dilemma. If Sanders continues to perform well, it may limit Watson’s chances to reclaim his spot on the roster.
The next steps for Watson include receiving clearance to practice, followed by proving his readiness to the coaching staff. The team must then decide whether to activate him, while Watson needs to quickly assimilate back into the game mentally and physically.
As questions linger about Watson’s future with the Cleveland Browns, it remains to be seen if he will don the orange and brown once again in 2025. His competitiveness and determination to return could play significant roles in his comeback. However, with the current quarterback performance in Cleveland, the path back to the starting position is unclear.
