Deshaun Watson returned to practice this week but he won’t be suiting up on game day for the Cleveland Browns.
The Browns have ruled Watson out of their Week 14 matchup against the Tennessee Titans. It’s an expected decision, given that Watson has been out of football for more than a year. The Browns have a few more weeks to decide if Watson will be activated to the 53-man roster this season. If not, he’ll spent the final few weeks of the season on the PUP list.
Watson returned to practice mid-week for the Browns, who were happy to have him back in the mix.
“He’ll be out there today, which is outstanding for Deshaun,” head coach Kevin Stefanski said. “He’s has been working so hard, rehabbing, so finally to get out there on the practice field with his teammates to go through individual, I think this is really great for him. So, excited for him. His focus, my focus is obviously getting him back to playing football, practicing football, which he hasn’t done in over a year. So, it’s a good next step for him.”
The Browns also ruled out guard Wyatt Teller, offensive tackle Jack Conklin, defensive lineman Adin Huntington and tight end Brenden Bates. Running back Dylan Sampson is questionable with a calf injury.
Browns Not Thinking About Deshaun Watson Starting
Watson landed in Cleveland in 2022 via a blockbuster trade. However, his time with the Browns has been a disaster from the start. He’s appeared in just 19 games, going 9-10 in those contests. Watson has passed for 3,365 yards, 19 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.
It’s unclear where Watson fits into the team’s current quarterback situation. Rookie Shedeur Sanders is starting, with fellow first-year passer Dillon Gabriel backing him up. The Browns have been clear that their priority is evaluating their rookies. Stefanski did not want to discuss if there was a desire to see what Watson can do in a game situation.
“Yeah, really not my focus. Not his focus, right this minute,” Stefanski said. “His focus is putting a helmet on again for the first time, shoulder pads, throwing a football. That’s where the focus is.”
Browns QB Shedeur Sanders Gets Another Shot
Sanders will draw his third start of the season against the Tennessee Titans. It’s a prime turnaround spot for the rookie, who suffered his first loss as a starter in Week 13 against the San Francisco 49ers. Sanders passed for 149 yards with a touchdown in the 26-8 loss.
He’ll be facing off against No. 1 overall pick Cam Ward, who has not had a great start with the one-win Titans. Sanders — who slipped to the fifth round in the draft — said it doesn’t add any extra juice for the matchup.
“Well, I would say I’m just excited for the opportunity to go out there and play,” Sanders said. “Last week’s showing wasn’t the best, so just having the opportunity to go out there and play.”
The Browns are a slight 4.5-point home favorite for the matchup, per ESPN BET.
