The Cleveland Browns have signed T Leroy Watson to the active roster from the 49ers’ practice squad.
Watson (6-5, 260) is officially in his first NFL season out of Texas-San Antonio. Originally signed as an undrafted free agent by Atlanta in 2022, Watson spent his rookie season and all of 2023 on the 49ers’ practice squad. He will wear No. 69.
As another week of practice commences for the Browns, it’s another week of uncertainty regarding starting quarterback Deshaun Watson and his injured shoulder.
Head coach Kevin Stefanski revealed on Wednesday that Watson would be limited at practice on Wednesday – a step in the right direction for the Browns signal caller. Stefanski was not ready to make a call on whether or not Watson would start this weekend against Arizona.
While Watson’s status was expected to be in flux once again this week – as it’s been for the better part of the last five weeks – Stefanski stirred up some questions about the backup quarterback slot on Monday as well. Asked if rookie Dorian Thompson Robinson would get another opportunity to start if Watson couldn’t go, Stefanski declared that he wasn’t ready to make any decisions about the starting quarterback at that time.
As the team returned to work, the Browns head man clarified those comments making it clear that P.J. Walker is still the primary backup.
Watson was seen throwing the ball at the beginning portion of practice with no tape on the shoulder, like he had at practice in previous weekend. Every every few throws though, he was noticeably shaking his arm out.
Last week, Stefanski was quick to announce that Watson would be focusing on his rehab and was out for the team’s matchup with Seattle. His presence even in a limited capacity at practice this week should be reason for optimism for Browns fans.
While message from the team remains that the former Texans QB is “day-to-day.” Along the same lines, Stefanski is taking a day-to-day approach to naming a starting quarterback as well.
If Watson misses Week 9, it would be his fourth missed game since injuring the shoulder back in Week 3. He did play in the team’s Week 7 game against Indianapolis but exited in the first quarter after a hard hit.
