Cleveland Browns Opt Not to Activate Deshaun Watson as Season Nears End
CLEVELAND, Ohio — As the NFL season winds down, the Cleveland Browns have decided not to activate quarterback Deshaun Watson to their active roster following his 21-day practice period. Head coach Kevin Stefanski announced the decision on Tuesday, emphasizing the importance of Watson’s ongoing recovery and the team’s strategic considerations.
Watson, who was activated off the physically unable to perform (PUP) list earlier this month, has spent the past three weeks participating in individual drills and running scout team offense during practice. Despite his efforts and hard work, Stefanski stated that it felt like the “right decision” for both the player and the team to keep him off the active roster for the remainder of the season.
“He’s done a great job with everything that’s been asked of him,” Stefanski said during a press conference. “I’ve gotten to see him just work so hard, whether it’s in the training room, by himself in the indoors with the trainers, on the practice field now for the last bit. But it just felt like this was the right decision for him and for us, and his focus will continue to be to help this football team and continue to get healthy and get stronger and all those types of things.”
Watson’s absence this season has been largely due to a significant injury; he tore his right Achilles tendon in October and suffered a re-injury during rehabilitation in January. The 26-year-old quarterback, who signed a fully guaranteed five-year, $230 million contract in March 2022, has struggled to meet expectations since joining the Browns. His time on the field has been limited to just 19 games over four seasons, and his performance has been marked by inconsistency.
Beyond injuries, Watson’s career has been overshadowed by off-field issues. In 2022, he was suspended for 11 games following multiple sexual assault allegations stemming from his tenure with the Houston Texans. These challenges have compounded the Browns’ difficulties in solidifying their quarterback position.
Statistically, Watson’s Browns tenure reflects mixed results. The team holds a 9-10 record in games he started, with Watson completing 61.2% of his passes for 3,365 yards, 19 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. While these numbers demonstrate some potential, they have not translated into consistent team success.
With Watson sidelined, the Browns have relied on other quarterbacks, including rookie Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel. Sanders, in particular, has drawn attention for his promising play, earning praise from Browns legend Joe Thomas, who recently called him a potential “franchise guy.” The team’s quarterback situation remains fluid as they look ahead to the next season.
The Browns’ decision reflects a cautious approach to Watson’s health and the team’s future strategy. As the NFL season concludes, the organization will evaluate its options for the quarterback position, balancing Watson’s recovery with the emergence of younger talent.
Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the Browns navigate this pivotal moment. For more information on NFL player health protocols and injury management, visit the NFL Player Health & Safety page. Details on the Browns’ roster moves can be found on the official Cleveland Browns website. For broader NFL news and updates, the NFL News Center provides comprehensive coverage. Additionally, insights into player contracts and league policies are available through the NFL Players Association.
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