Cleveland Browns DVOA, Stats, & NFL Rankings

Cleveland Browns general manager Andrew Berry said at the NFL Combine this week that quarterback Deshaun Watson (Achilles) wasn't doing "anything nefarious" when he re-tore his right Achilles tendon last month. There has been speculation that the Browns would try to recoup some or all of the $92 million they still owe Watson for the final two years of his five-year, fully guaranteed $230 million deal. That hasn't been the case, though, and Watson continues to rehab in Cleveland and is determined to play again after the devastating injury. Still, the 29-year-old is no lock to be able to play at all in 2025 and might not play again for the Browns at all. If he stays with the Browns in 2025, which seems likely, the best bet is that Cleveland will bring in a veteran (through either trade or free agency) to serve as the starter under center.

Philadelphia Eagles backup quarterback Kenny Pickett (ribs) was limited in practice all week but was removed from the final injury report on Friday and will be available for Sunday's wild-card matchup against the visiting Green Bay Packers. Jalen Hurts (concussion, finger) was also cleared from the league's concussion protocol after he missed the final two games of the regular season, so Pickett will be back as Hurts' backup this weekend. Obviously, Pickett won't have any fantasy value whatsoever in the playoffs unless Hurts is injured again. The 26-year-old former Pittsburgh Steelers QB suffered broken ribs in Week 16's loss to the division-rival Washington Commanders and was pulled from his start in the Week 17 blowout win over the division-rival Dallas Cowboys before not playing in Week 18. In his five games (one start) in 2024, Pickett went 25-for-42 with 291 yards, two TDs and one interception.

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (Achilles) suffered a re-tear of his Achilles tendon and had another surgery on Thursday to fix it, according to sources informed of the situation. The re-tear comes less than three months after his original tear, and Watson could now miss the entire 2025 season. General manager Andrew Berry announced on Monday that Watson had suffered a setback in his rehab, but now we know that it's a pretty serious setback. Even if Watson can make it back at some point this year, there's an even bigger question about how he would perform after dual Achilles injuries. Since the Browns acquired Watson, he's played in just 19 of a possible 51 regular-season games due to injury and suspension -- he was suspended 11 games in 2022 following allegations of sexual misconduct. If he misses all of 2025, he will have played in just 19 of a possible 85 regular-season games.

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Kenny Pickett (ribs) was limited in practice for the second day this week on Thursday. Pickett suffered fractured ribs while filling in for the injured Jalen Hurts (concussion) in the Week 16 loss to the division-rival Washington Commanders and made the start in Week 17, but he gave way to third-stringer Tanner McKee in the Week 18 regular-season finale. Hurts returned to a full practice on Thursday and is on pace to return this Sunday for the wild-card playoff game against the visiting Green Bay Packers, but it remains to be seen if Pickett will be healthy enough to serve as Hurts' backup. The 26-year-old is unlikely to carry any fantasy value into the postseason unless Hurts suffers another injury. The former first-rounder saw action in five games (one start) in his first year in Philly in 2024 and went 25-for-42 for 291 yards, two touchdowns and one interception.

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Kenny Pickett (ribs) was a limited participant in practice on Wednesday. Pickett suffered a rib injury in Week 16 against the Washington Commanders after he filled in for Jalen Hurts (concussion/left finger) when Hurts left the game early. Pickett proceeded to aggravate the injury in Week 17 against the Dallas Cowboys. Hurts returned to practice in a limited capacity on Wednesday which suggests that he is on track to play this weekend against the Green Bay Packers. However, Pickett's participation in practice at least provides the Eagles with a path towards a potential backup plan should Hurts miss this game or be knocked out of the game once again. Hopefully, both quarterbacks will be healthy enough to suit up this weekend and provide the Eagles with the depth they need.