Will not be activated this season
Coach Kevin Stefanski said Tuesday that the Browns will not activate Watson (Achilles) from reserve/PUP this season, Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN.com reports.
Watson tore his right Achilles tendon in October of last year, and the Browns opened his 21-day practice window three weeks ago. That window closed Tuesday afternoon with the Browns opting against activating the quarterback. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Cleveland is expected to keep Watson on the team in 2026, the final year of his fully-guaranteed five-year, $230 million deal. His current $80.7 million cap number for 2026 is the highest in the NFL. Watson hasn't played in a game since Week 10 of last season. It's unclear if the Browns will seriously consider starting Watson if he's indeed on the team next year.
More Cleveland Browns Fantasy Football News
Jared Verse
Officially traded to Browns
The Rams officially traded Verse, a 2027 first-round pick, a 2028 second-round pick and a 2029 third-round pick to Cleveland in exchange for Myles Garrett on Monday.
Jared Verse
Linked to pending blockbuster trade
Verse is expected to be dealt to the Browns as part of a trade the Rams are finalizing to acquire Myles Garrett, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
Shedeur Sanders
Splitting first-team reps with Watson
Shedeur and Deshaun Watson split first-team reps for most of Wednesday's practice, but Watson then took all the reps at the end in a simulated hurry-up drill, Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN.com reports.
Deshaun Watson
First QB through drills
Watson was the first QB through the rotation at Wednesday's practice, Chris Easterling of the Akron Beacon Journal reports.
Quinshon Judkins
Taking 11-on-11 reps
Judkins (ankle) is taking carries in 11-on-11s, Chris Easterling of the Akron Beacon Journal reports.
Deshaun Watson
Monken says no leader in QB battle
Head coach Todd Monken said Friday that a leader has yet to emerge in the quarterback competition between Watson and Shedeur Sanders, Zac Jackson of The Athletic reports.
Shedeur Sanders
Losing ground to Watson?
Coach Todd Monken hopes to identify the Browns' starting QB by the end of the team's minicamp June 9-11, according to Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer. Sanders and Deshaun Watson are considered the top two candidates to land the job.
Deshaun Watson
May have inside track for QB1
Watson reportedly emerged from last week's voluntary minicamp with an edge over Shedeur Sanders in the Browns' quarterback competition, according to Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer.
Cedric Tillman
Faces added competition for snaps
Tillman will face increased competition for snaps and targets after the Browns drafted a pair of rookie wide receivers in first-rounder KC Concepcion and second-rounder Denzel Boston in the 2026 Draft, Zac Jackson of The Athletic reports.
Carsen Ryan
Called upon by Browns
The Browns selected Ryan in the seventh round of the 2026 NFL Draft, 248th overall.