Overview
- Watson returned to limited practice after the Browns opened his 21-day window, with a Christmas-week deadline to activate him or keep him out for the year.
- Sources cited by CBS Sports describe Watson’s chances of game action in 2025 as slim given fewer than 10 practices before a decision is due.
- Sanders remains QB1 and faces fellow rookie Cam Ward and the Titans this week; through his early action he has 405 passing yards, two touchdowns, two interceptions and a 50.8% completion rate.
- Cleveland plans to use the final games to evaluate its rookies, with Dillon Gabriel cleared from concussion and operating as the backup.
- Watson’s fully guaranteed deal carries an approximately $80 million 2026 dead-cap charge, while Cleveland’s two 2026 first-round picks and league chatter raise the possibility of drafting a new quarterback or exploring trades of Sanders or Gabriel.