Why isn't Deshaun Watson playing tonight vs Broncos? Exploring $230,000,000 Browns QB's situation

Under the bright lights of primetime football, the Cleveland Browns will take on the Denver Broncos on Monday night to round off Week 13's slate of games. The Browns, who have the eighth-worst record in the league, are projected to have a top 10 pick in the 2025 NFL draft as they're having a season full of challenges.

Between letting Joe Flacco walk in free agency, Nick Chubb starting the year on the PUP list and the whole Deshaun Watson problem, the Browns have had to put out fires nearly every week. They were handed a major blow on Oct. 20 as Watson ruptured his Achilles on a noncontact play during the 21-14 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals.

The injury ended his season early as he wrapped up his 2024 campaign with a league-worst 23.5 QBR, registering five touchdowns and three interceptions.

Cincinnati Bengals v Cleveland Browns - Source: Getty

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Why isn't Deshaun Watson playing tonight vs Denver Broncos?

Achilles injuries are tough to come back from. Just ask Aaron Rodgers.

Per multiple reports, Deshaun Watson considered getting surgery from the surgeon who repaired Rodgers' Achilles last year.

On Oct. 25, the Browns announced that Watson had undergone successful surgery.

"The surgery was performed by Dr. Bob Anderson, a foot and ankle specialist in Charlotte, NC, and a full recovery is expected," the Browns said in a statement.

In Watson's absence, Cleveland coach Kevin Stefanski has turned to Jameis Winston to take over as starting quarterback. Winston led the Browns to a 24-19 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 12. The former Saints backup went 18 of 27 for 219 yards and an interception. Nick Chubb's two touchdowns were also key in fending off the Russell Wilson-led offense.

There are rumors that the Browns are also leaning toward Dorian Thompson-Robinson for the rest of the year.

"As much fun as the Jameis Winston story is, there has been a lot of chatter coming out of Cleveland that the Browns might want to get a look at Dorian Thompson-Robinson before the end of this season to see whether and how he might fit into their future QB plans," ESPN insider Dan Graziano wrote on Wednesday.

"Don't be surprised to see Thompson-Robinson get a start or two before the season is over."

The expectation is that Winston will start against the Broncos on Monday Night Football, although Thompson-Robinson will be waiting in the wings should Winston struggle.