Browns grant Deshaun Watson a spot in the 21-day return-to-practice window
The Cleveland Browns have activated quarterback Deshaun Watson for the team’s 21-day practice window. Watson has spent the season on the physically unable to perform list after rupturing his Achilles tendon last October, an injury he aggravated again in January while rehabbing. While this practice window opens the door to a possible activation within the next three weeks, Cleveland, currently 3-9, is primarily focused on Watson simply rejoining his teammates on the field for the first time in nearly 14 months. Even if activated, there’s no certainty he will suit up this season.
“This isn’t really about playing right now with Watson,” Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said on Wednesday. “His focus is on putting on a helmet, donning shoulder pads, and throwing a football. He’s worked incredibly hard and has been extremely supportive of his teammates.”
Stefanski also noted, “It’s outstanding for Deshaun. He’s been dedicated to rehabbing.” He added, “My focus, of course, is getting back to playing football, practicing football… this is a big next step for him.”
Watson is listed as limited on Wednesday’s injury report. He has been with the team since spring, training individually with the medical staff during standard practice days.
Back in March, Browns owner Jimmy Haslam described the team’s 2022 trade for Watson as “a big swing and a miss.” Cleveland gave Watson $230 million guaranteed and surrendered three first-round picks to Houston to obtain him, yet the results have not matched the investment.
Since joining the Browns, Watson has started 19 games over three seasons. He played only six games in 2023 after serving an 11-game suspension for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy, and injuries have cut short each of his last two seasons. In Cleveland, Watson has completed 61 percent of his passes, and the Browns are 9-10 in games he started.
The organization still shoulders a substantial financial commitment to Watson, who counts just under $36 million against the 2025 salary cap and is projected to count a little over $80 million in 2026. The Browns have repeatedly reworked Watson’s contract to alleviate cap strain and could pursue further adjustments after this season.
Stefanski called Watson’s return to practice a “big next step,” but he underscored that the current focus remains on this week’s matchup with Tennessee and rookie Shedeur Sanders’ third starting appearance.
Dec 3, 2025
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