Tue Oct 07 17:20:00 UTC 2025: Here’s a news article summarizing and rewriting the information provided:

**Deshaun Watson’s Browns Future Uncertain as PUP Return Looms**

**CLEVELAND, OH** – The future of Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson remains murky as he continues to rehabilitate from a twice-ruptured Achilles tendon. Despite being eligible to return from the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list in the coming weeks, his path back to the field for the Browns appears increasingly challenging.

Head coach Kevin Stefanski confirmed that Watson will not begin practicing this week, remaining on the PUP list. Watson suffered the initial Achilles tear in Week 7 of the 2024 season and suffered a setback with another rupture during rehab in January. The team now has a 21-day window once he begins practicing to activate him to the 53-man roster, or he must remain on PUP for the remainder of the season.

Complicating Watson’s potential return are the Browns’ recent quarterback moves. The team drafted Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders in the 2025 NFL Draft. Gabriel has been named the starting quarterback, and veteran Joe Flacco is also on the roster.

Gabriel debuted last week in London, passing for 190 yards and two touchdowns.

Watson’s performance during his time in Cleveland has been underwhelming. In 19 starts, he threw for 3,365 yards, 19 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. He has struggled to stay on the field consistently due to suspension and injury.

The Browns’ front office seems to be prioritizing the development of Gabriel and Sanders. Activating Watson would likely relegate him to QB4. Whether Watson, once a high-profile acquisition, will ever wear a Browns uniform on game day again remains a significant question mark.

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