In a shocking turn of events that has sent ripples through the NFL community, the Cleveland Browns have officially opened the 21-day practice window for quarterback Deshaun Watson, who has been sidelined since suffering a devastating Achilles injury back in October.

This unexpected development raises numerous questions about the future of the Browns’ quarterback situation and the implications for both Watson and his teammates as the season progresses.

With fans desperate for news and analysts speculating wildly, the drama surrounding Watson’s return is far from over.

Deshaun Watson’s journey back to the field has been fraught with challenges.

Initially injured during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 7, Watson’s Achilles injury was a significant blow not only to him personally but also to the entire Browns organization, which had high hopes for the season.

After undergoing surgery, Watson faced a lengthy rehabilitation process, compounded by a setback and a rerupture of the Achilles tendon that left fans questioning whether he would ever return to form.

As the Browns opened the practice window, the anticipation surrounding Watson’s potential return reached a fever pitch.

However, it’s essential to note that while this move allows him to practice, it does not guarantee that he will play this season.

The Browns have until Week 17 to activate him from the injured reserve list, which means time is of the essence.

But can Watson truly regain his form after such a devastating injury?

NFL insider Jonathan Jones weighed in on the situation, casting doubt on the likelihood of Watson taking the field this season.

“I would be fairly surprised if Deshaun Watson ultimately steps on the field to play a game for the Cleveland Browns in the 2025 season,” he stated emphatically.

This skepticism highlights the uncertainty surrounding Watson’s health and readiness to compete at the highest level.

Jones further elaborated that the current focus for Watson is merely getting back into a helmet and participating in practice.

“This is not something where hey, they’re opening up the window and he might come back in a week or two,” he explained.

Instead, the Browns are taking a cautious approach, prioritizing Watson’s long-term health over a rushed comeback.

With limited individual reps and scout team activities, it seems the team is more interested in seeing how Watson responds to practice rather than preparing him for immediate game action.

As Watson’s return looms, the futures of current quarterbacks Shadore Sanders and Dylan Gabriel hang in the balance.

With Watson’s status uncertain, both players have been given a golden opportunity to showcase their skills.

Sanders, in particular, has shown promise as a rookie and is expected to start in the upcoming games.

His performance could determine whether he remains a key player for the Browns moving forward.

However, Jones clarified that Watson’s return to practice does not directly affect their standing.

“Their futures are sort of up to them,” he noted, emphasizing that their performances will ultimately dictate their roles moving forward.

This creates an intriguing dynamic within the locker room, as both Sanders and Gabriel must now prove themselves capable of leading the team in Watson’s absence.

With Watson’s contract running through next year and no guarantees for his future, many analysts speculate that his time with the Browns may be nearing its end.

The franchise has invested heavily in Watson, trading significant assets to acquire him and signing him to a fully guaranteed contract that has been widely criticized as one of the worst transactions in NFL history.

Given the disastrous nature of that trade, the Browns may be looking to cut ties sooner rather than later.

If the Browns do decide to part ways with Watson, they would face a considerable dead cap hit, complicating their salary cap situation.

However, with two first-round picks in the upcoming draft, the team has options to explore alternative quarterback solutions.

The uncertainty surrounding Watson’s health and performance makes it increasingly likely that the Browns will need to look elsewhere for their franchise quarterback.

As the Browns navigate this tumultuous season filled with injuries and controversy, Deshaun Watson’s potential return adds another layer of intrigue.

If he does not play again for Cleveland, the question remains: where does he go from here? Analysts speculate that if Watson is released, he may not immediately sign with another team.

Given the severity of his injuries and the scrutiny surrounding his past, any potential suitor would likely conduct extensive due diligence before committing to him.

The mechanics of a potential release and subsequent signing would be complex.

Teams would want to ensure that Watson’s health is up to par, especially considering the rare occurrence of his Achilles injuries.

While there may be interest from teams looking for a veteran quarterback, the timeline for Watson’s next opportunity remains uncertain.

As the Browns navigate this tumultuous season filled with injuries and controversy, Deshaun Watson’s potential return adds another layer of intrigue.

Will he reclaim his position as the franchise quarterback, or will the Browns continue to search for stability in the wake of his tumultuous tenure? With the clock ticking and the pressure mounting, the coming weeks will be crucial in determining the fate of both Watson and the Cleveland Browns.

In the meantime, Shadore Sanders and Dylan Gabriel must capitalize on their opportunities to shine.

Their performances in the next few games could dictate not only their futures with the team but also the direction the Browns take in the offseason.

The stakes have never been higher, and for fans, the drama surrounding Watson’s return is a story that will be closely watched as the season unfolds.

With everything on the line, the Browns must find a way to navigate these choppy waters and emerge stronger, whether that includes Watson or not.

The future of the franchise hangs in the balance, and all eyes will be on Cleveland as they make their next moves in this high-stakes game of football.