Who Should I Start? Deshaun Watson or Hendon Hooker

Tuesday, July 22, 9:10 PM

The Cleveland Browns have placed quarterback Deshaun Watson (Achilles) on the active/physically unable to perform list, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. Pelissero notes that Watson's status for the 2025 season is "up in the air." Watson tore his right Achilles tendon in Week 7 of the 2024 season, then tore it again while rehabbing this past January. As a result, it's unlikely he factors for Cleveland this season. The Browns have a crowded QB room entering training camp. Veteran Joe Flacco and former first-round pick Kenny Pickett are the favorites to win the job for Week 1, while 2025 draft picks Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders bring some added competition. Even when Watson returns to full strength, he may no longer be in the Browns' plans. The 29-year-old has struggled whenever he's been on the field for Cleveland.

Sunday, August 17, 1:26 AM

Detroit Lions quarterback Hendon Hooker had his third straight subpar preseason showing on Saturday against the Miami Dolphins. The third-year signal-caller entered the game in the second half and completed just six of 13 passes for 61 yards, zero touchdowns, and one interception. Hooker was significantly outplayed by Lions quarterback Kyle Allen, who has started two out of the team's three preseason games and looks like the best option to back up Jared Goff when the regular season begins. Hooker was a third-round pick in 2023 and spent his rookie season recovering from a torn ACL that he suffered in college, so he may need more time to develop. However, he's already 27 and does not appear ready to be the team's QB2, which likely puts him on the roster bubble in Detroit.