Browns reportedly make big Deshaun Watson decision ahead of Ravens game

The 2-7 Cleveland Browns plan to start rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel over fellow first-year pro Shedeur Sanders for this coming Sunday's home game against the Baltimore Ravens (4-5).

Some previously wondered if injured Browns signal-caller Deshaun Watson could make an official return to the practice field this week. However, it seems like such a move isn't in Cleveland's plans. 

Browns not ready for Deshaun Watson conversations quite yet

According to Browns insider Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer, Cleveland will not open Watson's practice window this week. Once that window opens, the Browns will have 21 days to activate Watson or stash him on the physically unable to perform list for the remainder of the season.

Watson hasn't played since he suffered a torn Achilles tendon in October 2024. Even before he tore the Achilles again during his recovery, some suggested that he wouldn't play another meaningful down of football for the Browns before the two sides break up in 2026. However, subsequent reports mentioned that he could be back on Cleveland's active roster by Thanksgiving. 

Following Week 11, the Browns play at the Las Vegas Raiders on Nov. 23. 

"The Browns will wait at least until Week 12 against the Raiders to designate Watson for return from reserve/physically unable to perform," Cabot added. "They expect to have more clarity on his timeframe over the next couple of weeks."

Why Browns may activate Deshaun Watson this season

The previously mentioned Gabriel went 1-4 across his first five regular-season starts and largely failed to impress over those outings. According to Pro Football Reference, he ended Week 10 ranked 31st in the league among qualified players with a 33.0 adjusted QBR and 30th with an 80.4 passer rating on the season. 

That said, head coach Kevin Stefanski seemingly believes Gabriel and not Sanders currently gives the Browns the best chance to win games. This past Sunday, Gabriel was unable to guide Cleveland to a victory over a New York Jets team that became a big seller ahead of the Nov. 4 trade deadline. Meanwhile, Sanders has yet to make his regular-season debut. 

Also on Tuesday, Dan Labbe of the Cleveland Plain Dealer noted that the loss to the Jets could cause Browns owner Jimmy Haslam to think twice about running it back with Stefanski and general manager Andrew Berry for another year. If the Browns drop a couple more games, Stefanski may ask Watson to do more than possibly save the final month of the ongoing season.