NFL Rumors: Deshaun Watson may return for the Browns soon...or not

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson has been out for the last few weeks and for good reason. Watson's shoulder injury has been well-documented. However, Watson was theoretically cleared by doctors prior to last week against the Baltimore Ravens. The Browns would go on to lose the game, as Watson's replacement Dorian Thompson-Robinson struggled.

As FanSided's Josh Wilson noted this week, Watson's availability has been tough to predict:

"The Watson era in Cleveland is going nowhere fast. Watson has played in 15 of 23 possible games since joining the team, missing 11 over the last two seasons between suspension and injury...After Week 6, make that 12. Watson, already, has been ruled out for Sunday afternoon's home game against the undefeated San Francisco 49ers according to CBS Sports' Josina Anderson. This is despite the Week 5 bye the Browns had to work with to afford Watson additional rest."

Watson's rotator cuff contusion can take from two to six weeks to recover from, so this isn't all on Watson. He clearly doesn't feel comfortable enough to play, and even though Kevin Stefanski's comments don't inspire confidence, the Browns do have his back.

"He's doing everything in his power, working around the clock with rehab. So, he' just doing what he's being told to do in terms of his rehab process," said Stefanski. "He will be out there as soon as he's ready … and functionally ready."

In terms of when that will be, your guess is as good as mine.

NFL Rumors: Minnesota Vikings fire sale is underway

The Minnesota Vikings have reportedly received trade calls on defensive end Danielle Hunter, wide receiver K.J. Osborne and safety Harrison Smith. Hunter certainly will gauge the most interest as he's on a contract year and just turned 30 years old. If Minnesota can obtain a Day 2 pick for his services, expect them to pull the trigger.

This season hasn't gone according to plan for Kevin O'Connell and the Vikings. After winning the NFC North last season by virtue of seemingly incredible luck in close games, they haven't benefitted in the same way in 2023. Now 1-4 on the year and several games back of the North-leading Detroit Lions, the Vikes are facing a complete rebuild, and that could start by trading Kirk Cousins.

Part of the issue in trading Cousins, per Dianna Russini of The Athletic, are the potential trade fits:

"The other big problem in trading for Cousins would be finding a team that would give up premium draft assets and pay his salary. Teams like the Jets, Steelers, Browns and Falcons would seem like possible trade partners, but I do not get a sense this is a move any of these organizations are looking to make. The Jets remain confident in Zach Wilson and have made a major investment in Aaron Rodgers— trading for Cousins wouldn't make much sense. They also run an offense that is vastly different from Kevin O'Connell's."

Even if they hold on to Cousins and part ways this offseason, Minnesota can offer plenty of intriguing players for any looming contender.

NFL Rumors: Mac Jones is on a short leash for the New England Patriots

New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones is on a very short leash. Jones and the Patriots have lost by a truly egregious scoreline the past two weeks. Against the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday, Jones will not have nearly as much leeway.

Bill Belichick came to his quarterback's defense this week and reiterated that he doesn't expect to make an changes. As for Jones, he's just trying to keep things in perspective.

"We're out there playing a game that I love," Jones said. "And right now it's not looking too good. We need to find a way to flip the switch and go out there and have fun and sling the ball around and have guys make plays and celebrate with each other, too."

Malik Cunningham has seen his time in practice increase. Cunningham also signed a three-year deal with New England this week, which could be a signal of what's to come. Bailey Zappe has come in for Jones in each of the last two games. As for Jones, the advanced statistics courtesy of NFL.com's Ian Rapoport aren't in his favor:

"Over his last two contests, Jones has completed 55.8% of his passes for 130 passing yards, zero touchdowns and four interceptions. Combined with a passer rating of 35.0, it's the worst two-game span of his career, and New England has seen 13 of its 25 offensive drives end after three or fewer plays during this stretch. Jones also currently ranks 31st in passer rating among the 33 qualified QBs."

Jones could finally ride the pine if things go south this week.