When Will Deshaun Watson Play After Browns Activate QB from IR? Latest Injury Rumors

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson has been sidelined since suffering a right Achilles tear in Oct. 2024 (and a subsequent re-rupture of his Achilles tendon that required surgery last January).

The Browns opened their 21-day practice window for Watson on Wednesday, giving him a shot to return this season. However, per Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports, it appears unlikely he will see any game action this year.

"But, as sources tell CBS Sports, it is only a chance. Maybe even the slimmest of chances.

"Sources deem it unlikely Watson ultimately sees game action this season in what is the penultimate year of his record-setting contract. And unless the Browns wish to take on a heavy dead cap hit of more than $80 million in 2026, it is quite possible, if not likely, Cleveland has him on the roster in 2026."