Browns open 21-day practice window for Deshaun Watson (John Kuntz, cleveland.com)
After weeks of maintaining that there was nothing new to report, Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski finally gave an update on quarterback Deshaun Watson. Cleveland announced on Wednesday that the team has officially opened Watson’s 21-day practice window, allowing him to play for the first time since his Achilles injury in Week 7 of the previous season.
The move ends a long stretch of uncertainty surrounding whether Watson would return to practice at all this year. Stefanski had stated that he had “no update” on Watson’s condition up to this point, even on Monday. The team’s choice indicates that Watson has advanced to a critical stage in his recuperation.
He was hurt during a defeat to Cincinnati and has since had two operations, the first on October 25, 2024, and the second on January 9, 2025. Stefanski was excited by Watson’s advancements. In his Wednesday press conference, he said, “It’s outstanding for Deshaun.
He’s been working so hard rehabbing. My focus is obviously getting back to playing football, practicing football… big next step for him.” Stefanski warned that while the practice window is open, playing this season is not now a top goal. He stated that he is concerned about the quarterback just getting back to football-related activities rather than hurrying back into play.
Watson started out working out by himself, but as he became better, he was able to include some repetitions with the scout team. Due to injuries, suspensions, and inconsistent play, Watson’s time in Cleveland has been difficult. He has played in 19 games since joining the Browns in 2022, and the club has a 9–10 record. He had a poor season in 2024.
He threw five touchdowns, three interceptions, and 1,148 yards on 63.4 percent of his throws. In the games he started, Cleveland had a 1-6 record. Although they have extended Watson’s practice window, the Browns do not expect him to return immediately or at all this season. Cleveland will start Shedeur Sanders against the Titans on Sunday, and Stefanski has declared that the team will keep using a week-to-week approach at quarterback.
With the offense still trying to find stability, Sanders remains the short-term plan. The opening of the practice window does, however, start the clock. The Browns now have 21 days to activate Watson to the 53-man roster. If they do not, he will remain on the reserve/physically unable to perform list for the remainder of the season and will not play.
Currently, the focus is on evaluating Watson’s response to practicing after such a long break. There is no guarantee that he will play before the season ends, even though his return to the field is an important milestone in his recovery. Stefanski’s unwavering stance shows that the Browns are committed to being patient and cautious.
But at least some hope for Cleveland, which has struggled to find consistency at quarterback, comes from Watson’s return to practice. Whether Watson helps this season or just continues his recovery with an eye toward next year, his presence on the practice field is an important milestone for a club still searching for stability at the position.
The extent of such development will be determined in the upcoming weeks. For the time being, the Browns have taken the first formal step toward Watson’s future comeback, but they have made it plain that a decision on game action is still pending.
Deshaun Watson Stefanski Firing
Deshaun Watson is ready for a fresh start with the Cleveland Browns following the dismissal of head coach Kevin Stefanski. Stefanski left the Browns on Monday after leading them for six seasons. During his career, he guided Cleveland to two postseason trips with a 45-56 record.
“Tough day for the organization, tough day for me personally,” stated Andrew Berry, general manager of the Browns. “Kevin is like family. For the degree of achievement he contributed, we all owe him a debt of thanks and admiration.
The quarterback position was one of Stefanski’s most significant issues when he was in Cleveland. The Browns made a huge move in 2022 when they acquired Watson in a deal that featured a fully guaranteed $230 million contract, following an initial run with Baker Mayfield. Owner Jimmy Haslam has since called the move a “swing and miss” since Watson’s effect has been diminished and the team’s roster flexibility has been limited due to injuries and inconsistency.
Watson missed the whole season recuperating from a twice-torn Achilles. Despite resuming training in December, he was never selected for the 53-man roster. Watson made a social media statement shortly after Stefanski was fired. Watson posted pictures of himself exercising at the Browns’ facility and said, “Slow motion is better than no motion.”
