Who Should I Start? Deshaun Watson or Cooper Rush

Tuesday, August 26, 3:53 PM

The Cleveland Browns officially placed quarterback Deshaun Watson (Achilles) on the Physically Unable to Perform list on Tuesday to begin the 2025 season, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Watson tore his Achilles in the middle of last season and had multiple surgeries in the offseason. He will have to miss at least the first four games this year, but the full expectation is that the 29-year-old will miss the entire year. Cleveland will begin the season with veteran Joe Flacco under center, with one of rookies Dillon Gabriel or Shedeur Sanders backing him up after they traded Kenny Pickett (hamstring) to the Las Vegas Raiders on Monday. The Watson investment has been one of the worst front-office decisions in franchise history to this point, as he has played in just 19 games since the start of 2021. It would not be a surprise if Watson doesn't play another down for the Browns again.

Saturday, August 23, 4:01 PM

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Cooper Rush had a perfect passing day in the 30-3 preseason win over the Washington Commanders, completing all five passes for 59 yards and zero touchdowns. This outing marked a bright spot in what has otherwise been an unimpressive preseason for the 31-year-old, who previously spent eight seasons with the Dallas Cowboys. He ends the preseason with 27 completions on 39 attempts for 273 yards, one touchdown, and three interceptions. Rush is currently listed as the backup quarterback to Lamar Jackson. However, his overall subpar preseason, coupled with Devin Leary's unimpressive play, raises concerns about the Ravens' backup quarterback situation should anything happen to Jackson. Despite the statistical line in this game, it should have no significant impact on Rush's fantasy value as he remains off the radar in redraft leagues.