Deshaun Watson’s time in Cleveland appears to be fading into the background as the Browns continue to forge ahead without their once-franchise quarterback.

Watson, who entered the 2025-26 season on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list following a twice-ruptured Achilles tendon, will remain sidelined for now. Despite growing anticipation that he might begin practicing soon, head coach Kevin Stefanski confirmed this week that the team is not opening his practice window yet.

“Deshaun’s doing a great job with his rehab and that’s really where his focus is,” Stefanski said in late September.

Watson’s injury history has been nothing short of turbulent.

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He originally tore his Achilles in Week 7 of the 2024 season, then re-injured the tendon in January while rehabbing — a setback that pushed his return timetable further into uncertainty. Complicating matters, Watson was often seen living an active lifestyle on social media during his recovery, which drew public criticism and fueled speculation about his long-term future with the Browns.

That future remains murky.

While Watson has expressed self-confidence — saying in a recent social clip, “Everyone don’t think I can get back to where I was… I know I’m gonna be way better than before” — the Browns have quietly begun building a future without him.

Cleveland used two 2025 NFL Draft picks on quarterbacks: Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders.

Gabriel, the former Oregon Duck, was recently named the starter over veteran Joe Flacco and made his debut last weekend in London. He went 19-of-33 for 190 yards and two touchdowns in a 21–17 loss to the Minnesota Vikings — a respectable first showing that further signals the Browns’ shift in direction.

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Even if Watson were activated, he would likely return as the team’s fourth option behind Gabriel, Sanders, and Flacco. With limited practice reps available and a young quarterback room already in development, there’s little indication that Watson would see meaningful playing time — or any at all.

Statistically, Watson’s time in Cleveland has been underwhelming. Over three seasons, hampered by suspension and injury, he started 19 games and passed for just 3,365 yards, 19 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. He never played more than seven games in a season and failed to recapture the Pro Bowl form he once had in Houston.

According to league rules, players on the PUP list must begin practicing after Week 6 or be shut down for the remainder of the season. Once the practice window opens, teams have 21 days to activate them or place them on season-long reserve. That clock is now ticking for Watson.

But based on the Browns’ current quarterback trajectory, it’s hard to see Watson ever returning to the field in orange and brown — at least not as their quarterback of the future.