The Browns officially kick off training camp on July 25, entering a season full of uncertainty, and growing tension in the quarterback room. Deshaun Watson remains the team’s top quarterback despite his recovery from Achilles surgery and a massive $135.4 million cap hit if cut. But rookie Shedeur Sanders may already be on the outside looking in.
According to an official statement, the Browns placed Watson and defensive tackle Mike Hall Jr. on the Active/Physically Unable to Perform list, while wide receiver David Bell was added to the Non-Football Injury list. They also waived wideout Jaelen Gill, as the roster continues to evolve heading into camp.
“We’ve placed DT Mike Hall Jr. and QB Deshaun Watson on Active/Physically Unable to Perform, WR David Bell on Active/Non-Football Injury, and waived WR Jaelen Gill,” the team posted on X.
Watson’s Rehab Overshadows Quarterback Battle
Despite Watson’s ongoing rehab, head coach Kevin Stefanski confirmed he remains the Browns’ QB1. Cutting him would result in one of the largest dead-cap hits in NFL history. Making his place on the depth chart almost immovable for now.
Behind Watson, the Browns’ QB room includes veterans Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett, along with rookies Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders. While Sanders arrived with some buzz after being drafted in the fifth round, he remains a long shot to secure a spot.
Read More: Shedeur Sanders Wins Hearts in Cleveland in a big Way ahead of Training Camp
Shedeur Sanders at Risk in Crowded QB Room
NFL insider Jeremy Fowler reported the team plans to rotate all four quarterbacks in early camp, just as they did during spring OTAs. But he added a word of caution:
“He was working with the third team a lot… Not much of a pass rush. He’s got a ways to go.”
The Browns, who have started nearly 40 quarterbacks since 1999, are unlikely to carry four into the season. Mike Garafolo noted that if Sanders is cut, he could be “like a second draft” pick for other teams.
While Sanders drew praise from Johnny Manziel, who publicly backed his chances, Stefanski stayed diplomatic.
“Those guys are doing great,” Stefanski said. “They’re wired to get in early, stay late, and do the work.”
Injuries Add Pressure to Stefanski’s Fifth Season
Beyond quarterback drama, the Browns also face uncertainty in the trenches. Rookie DT Mike Hall Jr. continues to recover from a serious knee injury that ended his college career. He missed all of OTAs and minicamp. Wide receiver David Bell, who dislocated his hip last season, is also questionable for camp as his status remains on the Non-Football Injury list.
This could be a defining season for Kevin Stefanski. If Sanders fails to impress or if Watson falters, the pressure will mount quickly, not just for the players, but for the head coach himself.
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