QB Watson gets muted reaction at practice

Deshaun Watson sprinted onto the field to a light round of cheers Saturday at Cleveland’s first open training camp practice in Berea, Ohio.

The muted reaction by the near-capacity crowd reflected the uncertainty surrounding the Browns’ controversial new quarterback.

Watson briefly waved while running to the middle of the fields but did not speak with the media.

The 26-year-old is awaiting a decision from retired judge Sue L. Robinson. She’s determining if Watson violated the NFL’S personal conduct policy after being accused of sexual misconduct by 24 massage therapists. A lengthy suspension is possible.

“I can’t wait for us to get to play together, whichever week we see him,” tight end David Njoku said. “Hopefully it’s sooner than later. I’m excited. I can’t wait.”

Watson, a three-time Pro Bowl selection, signed a fiveyear, $230 million contract after being acquired from Houston for three first-round draft picks in March. He was a member of the Texans during all of the alleged incidents.

Two Texas grand juries declined to indict Watson on any of the criminal complaints. He has settled 20 of the 24 civil lawsuits filed against him, and the attorney representing the women has said he hopes to take the other four to trial next spring.

There were no boos directed toward Watson at practice, but All-pro defensive end Myles Garrett and running back Nick Chubb were welcomed onto the field with louder, prolonged ovations.

“You can tell by the turnout that people want to go all-out for the Browns, but I think fans are being cautious,” said Hans Schneider, a 21-year season ticket holder and mayor of Wellington, Ohio. “Once a decision is made with Deshaun, there will be clarity.”

■ Jets: Coach Robert Saleh expressed concern over the new Guardian Cap, saying the protective shells are causing players to use their helmets more than usual and he’s worried about the potential effects when they are removed. Offensive and defensive linemen, tight ends and linebackers are required to wear the cap through the week of the second preseason game. The cap provides a soft, padded outer shell for the helmet. The NFL’S goal is to curb concussions.

■ 49ers: Defensive tackle Maurice Hurst sustained a torn biceps in Friday’s practice, will need surgery and “most likely” will miss the season, coach Kyle Shanahan said. The 27-year-old, who was working with the starting defense, was limited to two games last season by ankle and calf injuries. He played 40 games with the Raiders from 2018 to 2020, his first three NFL seasons.

■ Steelers: Two-time Pro Bowl tight end Heath Miller and late journalist and broadcaster Myron Cope — inventor of the Terrible Towel — headline the team’s Hall of Honor Class of 2022. The four-person class, unveiled Saturday, also includes four-time Super Bowl-winning guard Sam Davis and former running back/wide receiver Ray Mathews.

■ Bills: Quarterback Josh Allen took umbrage with the physicality of some of his defensive teammates after a play at practice Saturday and got into defensive tackle Jordan Phillips’ face, leading to a pull-apart skirmish.

David Dermer The Associated Press First-year Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson made the Pro Bowl in three of his first four NFL seasons with the Texans.