After suffering a disappointing 1-5 record following their Week 6 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Cleveland Browns are searching for solutions to their offensive woes. Unfortunately, veteran quarterback Deshaun Watson, who has been sidelined due to a torn Achilles injury, will not be providing the boost the team desperately needs anytime soon.
Watson, who started for the Browns in Week 1 each of the last three seasons, is still in the rehabilitation phase from the severe injury he sustained nearly a year ago, which was compounded by a re-rupture in January. With the team’s offense struggling to score more than 20 points in any game this season, there is speculation about Watson’s potential return. However, he must first be removed from the physically unable to perform list to start practicing, a situation that, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, remains a distant prospect—potentially at least a month away.
As the Browns navigate this challenging period, Dillon Gabriel will take over as the starting quarterback. Gabriel’s initial performances have not been impressive, completing only 57.6 percent of his passes in his first two games in the NFL. If his inconsistency continues, the pressure to explore other options might grow, leading to calls for rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders to be considered for the starting role.
As it stands, Gabriel’s position appears precarious. Should neither he nor Sanders establish themselves effectively ahead of Watson’s return, the Browns might find themselves turning back to Watson when he’s ready to practice. The uncertainty surrounding the quarterback situation adds complexity to an already tumultuous season, but the hope remains that reinforcements could arrive soon.
Browns fans may have to remain patient, as the franchise works through these challenges amidst the evolving dynamics of their roster.