Cleveland Browns fans, brace yourselves: even during a bye week, when the team isn’t playing, the Browns somehow managed to lose ground in the AFC North standings.

While the team rested, their rivals surged ahead, leaving the Browns in a tough spot as the season progresses.

But amid the frustration, there’s a glimmer of hope — or at least some serious questions — regarding the status of quarterback Deshaun Watson.

Could Watson’s return shake things up, or is the Browns’ quarterback situation doomed for another rough year? Let’s dive into the latest from the Browns’ bye week and what it means for the rest of the 2025 NFL season.

 

You might think a bye week offers a chance to regroup, rest, and prepare for the grueling stretch ahead.

But for the Browns, their week off turned into a nightmare of missed opportunities.

The Baltimore Ravens, led by a healthy Lamar Jackson, absolutely dominated the Miami Dolphins on Thursday Night Football, with Jackson throwing four touchdowns and Derrick Henry rushing for over 100 yards.

The Ravens’ defense also picked off Tua Tagovailoa multiple times, effectively shutting down Miami’s offense.

 

This dominant win propelled the Ravens past the Browns in the AFC North standings.

Before the bye week, Cleveland was ahead of Baltimore, but now the Ravens have not only leapfrogged the Browns but climbed to second place in the division.

Meanwhile, the Pittsburgh Steelers also pulled off an upset victory against the Indianapolis Colts, a team boasting one of the best records in the league at 7-1.

Led by veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, the Steelers’ win extended their lead atop the AFC North.

The Bengals, who the Browns have already lost to this season, remain ahead as well.

So, without even stepping on the field, the Browns fell to the bottom of their division.

It’s a bitter pill to swallow, especially since the Steelers and Ravens victories came against strong opponents, making the Browns’ path to the playoffs increasingly difficult.

 

One of the biggest reasons the Browns are struggling is their quarterback play.

Dylan Gabriel, who has been starting in Watson’s absence, has posted some of the worst numbers among NFL starters.

His yards per attempt sit at a dismal 4. 9, and his completion percentage ranks as the fourth worst in the league.

On top of that, Gabriel is tied for seventh in turnover-worthy plays and dead last in average completed air yards, averaging just 3.2 yards per completion.

 

These stats paint a bleak picture of Cleveland’s offense, which has been conservative and inefficient.

Fans and analysts alike have criticized Gabriel’s inability to stretch the field or make big plays downfield.

This has contributed to the Browns’ offensive struggles and their disappointing record so far.

The big question on everyone’s mind is: will Deshaun Watson return this season, and if so, can he salvage the Browns’ playoff hopes?

Watson’s tenure with Cleveland has been rocky.

He has never played a full season for the Browns due to injuries and inconsistent performances.

Last season was particularly rough, with a quarterback rating of just 21, throwing three interceptions to five touchdowns.

His play has been marred by turnovers and poor decision-making, which has frustrated fans and teammates.

 

Despite these struggles, Watson remains determined to make a comeback.

Recently, he posted on social media expressing his confidence in his recovery and ability to perform better than ever.

Videos surfaced showing him running and throwing, signaling that he is physically progressing well in his rehab.

 

Browns officials have indicated they will evaluate Watson during the bye week to determine if he is medically cleared to return.

If cleared, the team could open a 21-day practice window, during which Watson would have to practice before being activated to the roster.

If he is not ready by the end of that window, the Browns would likely place him on season-ending injured reserve.

The Browns’ owner, Jimmy Haslam, has publicly called the trade for Watson a “swing and a miss,” signaling his disappointment with the quarterback’s impact so far.

Head coach Kevin Stefanski has praised Watson’s rehab efforts, calling them “awesome” and noting that he is doing a great job.

However, Stefanski has also confirmed that Dylan Gabriel will start the upcoming game against the New York Jets in Week 10, with rookie Shador Sanders expected to see playing time later in the season.

 

This leaves fans wondering where Watson fits in the Browns’ plans.

Would the team bench Gabriel if Watson is healthy? Would Watson be activated but sit on the bench? Or is the Browns’ front office preparing for a future without him?

If Watson returns and plays, it could shake up the Browns’ offense.

Former Browns legend Josh Cribbs recently suggested that Watson, despite his faults, could provide more passing yards and stretch the field better than Gabriel.

But given Watson’s injury history and past inconsistency, it’s far from guaranteed.

 

Moreover, the Browns have invested heavily in Watson’s contract, with $200 million guaranteed.

Sitting on the sidelines while healthy would be a huge waste of resources and a tough pill for fans to swallow.

 

On the other hand, rushing Watson back too soon could risk further injury and derail any chance of a full recovery.

The Browns have to balance their desperation for a playoff push with the long-term health of their quarterback.

With the AFC North looking tougher than ever, the Browns face a steep climb.

Pittsburgh and Baltimore are playing well, and the Bengals remain a strong contender.

The Browns’ offensive woes and quarterback uncertainties add to the challenge.

 

The team’s bye week was supposed to be a chance to regroup, but instead, it highlighted just how much ground they’ve lost.

The pressure is now on the Browns to find answers quickly — whether that means a Watson comeback, a change at quarterback, or a shift in offensive strategy.

 

Browns fans are divided. Some remain hopeful that Watson will return and turn things around, while others are skeptical, remembering the injuries and poor performances of the past.

The team’s current struggles have many calling for a rebuild or at least a serious re-evaluation of the roster and coaching.

 

One thing is clear: the Browns need to improve their quarterback play to have any shot at the playoffs.

Whether that comes from Watson, Gabriel, or Sanders remains to be seen.

 

The Cleveland Browns’ bye week was anything but restful.

They lost ground in the division without even playing, thanks to rival teams’ victories.

Meanwhile, the quarterback situation remains murky, with Deshaun Watson’s potential return looming as both a beacon of hope and a source of uncertainty.

 

As the Browns prepare to face the Jets and move deeper into the season, all eyes will be on Watson’s medical evaluation and the team’s decisions regarding their quarterback future.

Browns fans can only hope that the next chapter brings better news and a turnaround on the field.

 

Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.