Deshaun Watson takes major step in return as Browns begin to settle on Shedeur Sanders

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Just as Shedeur Sanders is settling in as the Cleveland Browns quarterback, the signal-caller the team signed to a $230 million deal is back on the field for the first time in over a year.

Deshaun Watson tore his Achilles tendon Oct. 20, 2024, and did so again in January, delaying his return.

But the Browns opened Watson's 21-day window to return Wednesday, just as Sanders is prepping for the third start of his NFL career.

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Quarterbacks Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson of the Cleveland Browns watch from the sideline during the fourth quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals at Huntington Bank Field Sept. 7, 2025, in Cleveland. (Jason Miller/Getty Images)

"He’s been working so hard, rehabbing. So, finally, to get out there on the practice field with his teammates, go through individual, I think is really great for him," Coach Kevin Stefanski said. "Our focus is activating this practice window, seeing him on the practice field, getting him into individual, those type of things. He’s done everything that’s asked of him. He’s been so supportive in the meeting room on the game field with the players. Now he gets to go do that on the practice field."

Watson is 9-10 as Cleveland’s starter. He has 19 touchdowns, 12 interceptions and a passer rating of 80.7. He's also unpopular among fans after the Browns sent five draft picks to Houston, including three first-round selections, and signed him to a fully guaranteed contract widely regarded as one of the worst in league history.

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson against the Philadelphia Eagles Oct. 13, 2024, in Philadelphia.  (Chris