Overview
- The team has until Dec. 23 to activate Watson to the 53-man roster or leave him on PUP for the rest of the season.
- League sources and local reporting indicate an in-season return is unlikely as Watson takes limited practice reps for evaluation and mentorship.
- Head coach Kevin Stefanski said his focus is Watson practicing again, not getting him into a game this year.
- Rookie Shedeur Sanders will start against the Titans with Dillon Gabriel available after clearing concussion protocol; Sanders is 1-1 with a 50.8% completion rate, 405 yards, two TDs and two INTs.
- Watson’s fully guaranteed deal and an estimated $80 million-plus 2026 dead-cap hit point to a crowded 2026 quarterback room, with speculation the Browns could draft another QB and gauge trade interest in Sanders or Gabriel.