Browns rule out Deshaun Watson for season; Shedeur Sanders stays QB1
TOI GLOBAL DESK | TOI GLOBAL | Dec 24, 2025, 04:39 IST
The Cleveland Browns have ruled Deshaun Watson out for the rest of the season after deciding not to move him off the PUP list. Head coach Kevin Stefanski said the focus remains on Watson’s recovery from his Achilles injury. Rookie Shedeur Sanders will continue as the starting quarterback, with Dillon Gabriel and Bailey Zappe backing him up.
The Cleveland Browns head coach, Kevin Stefanski, confirmed that Deshaun Watson will not be activated from the Physically Unable to Perform list, meaning the quarterback is ruled out for the remainder of the season.
Speaking to the reporters on Tuesday, Stefanski said, "He's done a great job with everything that's been asked of him.” he continued, "Just felt like this was the right decision for him and for us. His focus will be to continue to help this football team and continue to get healthy and stronger."
Watson’s 21-day practice window opened on December 3rd, and the Cleveland browns had time till Wednesday to add him back to the roster. Since that did not happen, he will remain on the PUP list for the rest of the regular season and will continue his rehab work inside the team facility.
Watson suffered an Achilles injury in October 2025 and re-injured it again at the beginning of this year, and hasn't played any games since.
With Watson sidelined, rookie Shedeur Sanders will continue as the Browns’ starting quarterback. Sanders has played in six games and made five starts this season, throwing for 1,103 yards with six touchdowns and eight interceptions. Cleveland’s quarterback lineup also includes rookie Dillon Gabriel and Bailey Zappe.
The Browns are expected to keep Watson on their roster for the 2026 season, which is the final year of his fully guaranteed five-year, $230 million contract. Watson is set to carry an $80.7 million salary cap hit next season, the highest in NFL history, making it difficult for the team to move on from him financially.
Speaking to the reporters on Tuesday, Stefanski said, "He's done a great job with everything that's been asked of him.” he continued, "Just felt like this was the right decision for him and for us. His focus will be to continue to help this football team and continue to get healthy and stronger."
Watson’s 21-day practice window opened on December 3rd, and the Cleveland browns had time till Wednesday to add him back to the roster. Since that did not happen, he will remain on the PUP list for the rest of the regular season and will continue his rehab work inside the team facility.
Watson suffered an Achilles injury in October 2025 and re-injured it again at the beginning of this year, and hasn't played any games since.
With Watson sidelined, rookie Shedeur Sanders will continue as the Browns’ starting quarterback. Sanders has played in six games and made five starts this season, throwing for 1,103 yards with six touchdowns and eight interceptions. Cleveland’s quarterback lineup also includes rookie Dillon Gabriel and Bailey Zappe.
The Browns are expected to keep Watson on their roster for the 2026 season, which is the final year of his fully guaranteed five-year, $230 million contract. Watson is set to carry an $80.7 million salary cap hit next season, the highest in NFL history, making it difficult for the team to move on from him financially.