It’s easy to forget Deshaun Watson is still a member of the Cleveland Browns. Despite all the focus on the team’s quarterbacks since the 2025 NFL Draft, Watson, who is out due to an Achilles injury, has flown under that radar.
There are some legitimate reasons for that. Watson is still in recovery after re-tearing his Achilles in January and could miss the entire 2025 NFL season. In addition to that, Watson hasn’t been around the team much, at least publicly.
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But that will change in Week 12, as Watson will appear on the sideline for rookie Shedeur Sanders’ first NFL start.
It’s a significant development for Watson, who traveled with the team on a road trip for the first time this season to be there to help Sanders.
Sanders is making his second NFL appearance — but first NFL start — against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 12. He struggled in his first taste of NFL action in Week 11, going 4-for-16 with 47 passing yards. He also threw an interception and fumbled in a 23-16 loss to the Baltimore Ravens.
But he should be in a far better position to succeed in Week 12. Previously, Sanders had not received snaps with the first-team offense. That changed once fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel was ruled out due to a concussion. Sanders officially moved into the QB1 role, and spent the entire practice week preparing to be the team’s starter.
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Despite being a fifth-round pick, expectations are sky high for Sanders. Part of that is due to some lofty pre-draft rankings, which had Sanders as a possible first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Some of it is due to Sanders speaking highly of his own ability.
Having Watson on the sideline could help. No quarterback on the roster has more experience — or more success — than Watson. As a member of the Houston Texans, Watson made three Pro Bowls in four seasons.
Watson eventually found himself on the Browns after missing time and serving a suspension for allegations of sexual misconduct. Since joining the team, the former Pro Bowler struggled. Watson has just 19 touchdowns against 12 interceptions in 19 games since joining the Browns. If he was fully healthy, Watson likely would have had competition coming into the 2025 season.
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Watson is under contract with the Browns in 2026, and there’s a possibility he and Sanders could battle it out for a starting job next training camp. Until then, however, Watson will offer Sanders support from the sideline.
Despite Watson’s struggles with the Browns, the veteran could fill an important role Sunday. Sanders will need all the help he can get during his first NFL start, and Watson — while no longer regarded as an elite quarterback — could still act as a secondary coach and sound board for Sanders on the sideline.
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