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.

Friday, July 18, 10:50 AM

It would be "surprising" if Detroit Lions quarterback Hendon Hooker loses the backup job behind Jared Goff to veteran Kyle Allen, according to Colton Pouncy of The Athletic. Detroit drafted Hooker out of Tennessee in the third round back in 2023, and he spent the majority of his rookie season rehabbing from a torn ACL. Hooker was the team's nominal backup for most of 2024, but Detroit signed veteran Teddy Bridgewater to take over the job down the stretch of the season, signaling a lack of comfort with Hooker in the role. Pouncy writes that while Hooker should be considered the favorite entering camp, he "needs to show development." It would take an injury to Goff for either of Detroit's backup quarterback options to be fantasy-relevant.