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6h ago

Browns Add Bailey Zappe to Practice Squad as Joe Flacco Opens Season at QB

Watson’s encouraging rehab has observers eyeing a late‑October or November practice window that could force a costly roster decision under his fully guaranteed deal.

Shedeur Sanders #12 of the Cleveland Browns walks off the field after the team's 17-16 win over the Los Angeles Rams in an NFL Preseason 2025 game at Huntington Bank Field on August 23, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio.
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Overview

  • Kevin Stefanski said the depth chart remains set with Joe Flacco starting, Dillon Gabriel as the backup and Shedeur Sanders dressing as the emergency third quarterback.
  • Deshaun Watson is on the reserve/PUP list and must miss at least four games before a limited practice window and 21‑day activation decision can begin under NFL rules.
  • Mary Kay Cabot reported Watson impressed in a throwing session observed by Andrew Berry, Stefanski and Jimmy Haslam, with a potential return‑to‑practice target later in the fall.
  • Analysts, including Mike Florio and Albert Breer, suggest a clearance this season could force Cleveland to choose between activating Watson or facing complex cap implications tied to an estimated $131 million 2026 charge if released.
  • Cleveland traded Kenny Pickett earlier in the week and signed Zappe for veteran insurance, maintaining roster stability behind Flacco with two rookies developing.