Deshaun Watson's Status Uncertain as Browns Struggle
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Cleveland Browns coach Kevin Stefanski has indicated uncertainty surrounding Deshaun Watson's return to practice. According to Pro Football Talk, while Watson has made excellent progress in his recovery from two ruptured Achilles tendons, the team will not open his 21-day practice window this week.
He remains on the reserve physically unable to perform list and must pass medical exams before he can practice. Browns quarterbacks coach Bill Musgrave expressed confidence in Watson's desire to return, stating he believes Watson has plenty of football left in him.
Despite only playing 19 games since the start of the 2022 season, Watson holds a record of nine wins and ten losses, with 19 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. As he recovers, rookie Dillon Gabriel is set to make his sixth start against the Baltimore Ravens this Sunday.
The situation is particularly pressing for the Browns, as they have faced mounting pressure due to poor performance, raising questions about the coaching staff's future. Reports from Dawgs By Nature suggest that general manager Andrew Berry and head coach Kevin Stefanski could be on the hot seat, as fan dissatisfaction grows regarding the state of the team, especially the struggling offense.
The Browns have made several roster moves recently, focusing on the defensive side of the ball, while the offense remains unchanged despite ongoing struggles. This lack of action has further frustrated fans.
In a related context, Paul DePodesta, the former chief strategy officer, has reflected on his role in the decision to trade for Watson, emphasizing that such decisions are organizational in nature and shared among multiple parties.
DePodesta acknowledged the collective responsibility for the trade, which has been heavily criticized as one of the worst transactions in NFL history. His comments highlight the ongoing debate about accountability within the organization, particularly with the struggles the team has faced since acquiring Watson.
Additionally, the Browns opened as heavy underdogs at home against the Ravens, underlining the challenges they face as they navigate this turbulent season. As Watson's recovery continues, his potential return could significantly influence the team's fortunes moving forward.
However, with the current trajectory, both the front office and coaching staff may need to demonstrate rapid improvement to quell the rising dissatisfaction among players and fans alike.