The Cleveland Browns have signed QB Bailey Zappe to the active roster off Kansas City's practice squad and placed QB Deshaun Watson (Achilles) on injured reserve. In addition, the team has waived LB Tony Fields II from injured reserve. The Brown also re-signed RB Gary Brightwell to the practice squad and released T Sebastian Gutierrez from the practice squad.
Watson started the first seven games of the season. He threw for 1,148 yards and five touchdowns, while adding 148 rushing yards with a score.
Zappe (6-1, 215) is in his third NFL season out of Western Kentucky. Originally selected by New England in the fourth round of the 2022 draft, Zappe has appeared in 14 games with eight starts. He has completed 192 of 304 passes for 2,053 yards and 11 touchdowns. He has spent the entire 2024 season on Kansas City's practice squad. Zappe will wear No. 2.
Brightwell (6-1, 220) is in his fourth NFL season out of Arizona. Originally selected by the Giants in the sixth round in 2021, Brightwell has appeared in 39 career games, including two with the Browns this season. He will wear No. 35.
