By Matthew Couden

Copyright newsweek

The Cleveland Browns shook up the NFL landscape with their headline-making trade of Joe Flacco to the 2-3 Cincinnati Bengals. Tuesday’s deal brought a fifth-round pick to the Browns, along with some questions about their quarterback situation.

While the Bengals now have a solid starting quarterback, the Browns have several young stars in Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders. Additionally, they have former Houston Texans first-round pick Deshaun Watson, who is out due to an Achilles injury.

Watson is continuing to recover from that injury, although there have been some indications that he’s progressing well through the rehabilitation towards potentially playing.

Since joining the Cleveland Browns, he has only appeared briefly, with fewer than 20 games in three seasons. However, should he be good to go from injury, it would seem the Browns could potentially use him if another choice at QB doesn’t pan out.

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That said, a reporter recently asked Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski about the possibility of Watson getting some time on the field this year, but he seemed unwilling to commit.

Deshaun Watson #4 of the Cleveland Browns looks on before the game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium on October 06, 2024, in Landover, Maryland.

“I understand the question but I’m really focused on this week,” Stefanski said, per The Athletic’s Zac Jackson.

As of this writing, the Cleveland Browns have faith in giving Dillon Gabriel his first start against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday. Gabriel, 24, was a third-round pick in this year’s NFL Draft. He’s participated in three of his team’s games, completing 22-of-37 passes for 209 yards and three touchdowns. While opponents sacked him twice, Gabriel has yet to get picked off.

The team also drafted Shedeur Sanders in the fifth round of this year’s draft, giving them another consideration with the 23-year-old QB from Colorado.

Watson started in seven games for the Browns last season, achieving 137-of-216 completions for 1,148 yards and five touchdowns. However, the team also had a 1-6 record in those games.

He achieved more significant success with the Texans, leading them to winning records and the postseason twice. In addition, Watson earned three Pro Bowl selections in Houston.

With the 1-4 Cleveland Browns, he’s currently on the reserve/PUP list. While he was eligible late last month to start practicing, Browns beat writer Mary Kay Cabot indicated it was unlikely, and additional reports suggest it’s doubtful he’ll play this year.

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