Deshaun Watson Designated to Return Sparks Fear Among Shedeur Sanders Fans – “Stefanski Really Hates Shedeur”

Deshaun Watson was recently seen on the sidelines helping Shedeur Sanders prepare during his 1st NFL start at QB.

Deshaun Watson Designated to Return Sparks Fear Among Shedeur Sanders Fans – “Stefanski Really Hates Shedeur”

Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders (Image via Bleacher Report/Brad Stainbrook/X)

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When the Cleveland Browns drafted Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel, they were basically looking for a young backup for star quarterback Deshaun Watson.

The franchise is still on the hook for $167 of his massive $230 million contract, which means the Clemson star will not be going anywhere at least until the end of the 2026 season.

His lawsuits have shattered hopes of a trade away from the franchise, which means Sanders and Gabriel will continue to back him up whenever he is back healthy.

After Watson re-ruptured his Achilles tendon in January, it was believed that he would likely miss the entire 2025 season. That, however, has changed after a recent appearance on the sidelines.

In fact, the 30-year-old was back in practice gear, going through light drills after the Browns announced that they were designating the 3-time Pro Bowler to return.

This means that over the next 21 days, they have to assign him to the 53-man roster. Barring further injury, this decision indicates that Deshaun Watson will play for the Browns in any of the last 3 games of their regular season.

He would become the fourth quarterback to start a game for the franchise this season, after Joe Flacco, Dillon Gabriel, and now Shedeur Sanders led them to a 3-9 record.

Shedeur Sanders’ fans not happy with Deshaun Watson news

This decision will have implications for the careers of Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders. The latter has just started 2 games and will do so until head coach Kevin Stefanski feels the need for a change.

Whenever Deshaun Watson returns, that decision will no longer be needed, as the franchise would rather start the QB they are paying an astronomical amount for. This news was not met well by the Colorado Buffaloes stars’ fans.

They had all sorts of reactions, most of which were them expressing their frustrations, as they would have liked the 5th-round pick to continue starring for his team. Check out examples of those reactions below.

Whenever Watson takes over, Sanders will either back him up or be behind Gabriel as QB3, whatever Stefanski decides. That would effectively end his chance of playing until the former 12th overall pick gets injured or leaves the team.

Shedeur Sanders diplomatically answers Deshaun Watson return question

The Cleveland Browns designated Deshaun Watson to return before their latest practice session. After doing his part, reporters asked Shedeur Sanders for a response to his team’s decision.

Shedeur Sanders could back up Deshaun Watson when he returns
Shedeur Sanders could back up Deshaun Watson when he returns (Image via Sleeper NFL/X)

I would say I’m just excited for the opportunity to go out there and play. Last week wasn’t the best, so just having the opportunity to go out there and play.

Shedeur Sanders replied

This was his diplomatic way of avoiding a direct response that would end up feeding new narratives. Instead, he took the high road and made it about his chances.

The rookie knows that he will not be able to play once his veteran QB is healthy enough to start. Therefore, he has the chance to make the most out of his current situation.

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