The Cleveland Browns have already started three different quarterbacks this season, and now there’s a potential for a fourth late in the year.
The Browns designated quarterback Deshaun Watson to return from the Reserve/Injured list as he continues to rehab from his torn Achilles, opening his 21-day window to potentially return to the 53-man roster and get back on the field.
Cleveland announced the move Wednesday morning.
We’ve designated QB Deshaun Watson for return to practice
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) December 3, 2025
Watson suffered the first torn Achilles on Oct. 20 last season against the Cincinnati Bengals, going down with the injury late in the second quarter. He tore the Achilles in his right leg while pushing off in an attempt to scramble and went down in a heap.
That cost him his season, and it came at a time when there were calls for him to be benched amid his struggles. Prior to the injury, Watson had thrown for 1,148 yards and five touchdowns in the first seven games of the season but had three interceptions and just wasn’t playing efficient football.
In the offseason Watson re-tore his Achilles in January, putting him on the shelf for this season. Until now.
During his time in Cleveland after coming over from Houston in a controversial trade featuring three first-round picks and a fully guaranteed $230 million contract, Watson is just is 9-9 as a starter with 19 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. Following his Achilles injuries, the Browns selected two rookies in the 2025 NFL Draft in third-rounder Dillon Gabriel and fifth-rounder Shedeur Sanders.
Sanders is currently the Browns’ starter and is 1-1 on the season. He’s in line to start the Week 17 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Cleveland, but Watson’s return to practice could open the door for the veteran quarterback to get back on the field.
Prior to opening the window for Watson, the Browns have rolled out Joe Flacco, Gabriel and Sanders as starting quarterbacks this season, leading to a 3-9 record to date. Flacco was traded after Week 5 to the Cincinnati Bengals to replace the then-injured Joe Burrow, leading to some frustration for Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin, which created a viral moment.
Now, the Browns are back in headlines again for another move at the quarterback position. We’ll see if Watson can get back to game action, and the move to open his practice window is certainly noteworthy late in the season.