BROWNS SET TO START WATSON VS. JAGS
Deshaun Watson’s debut for the Browns is tentative and subject to change.
The same is true for his first season in Cleveland.
Watson is scheduled to start the exhibition opener — his first game action since 2020 — at Jacksonville on Friday while the quarterback waits to see if the NFL succeeds in keeping him off the field for the entire season.
The three-time Pro Bowler is facing a potential year-long suspension and fine from the league for alleged sexual misconduct against two dozen women while he played for the Houston Texans.
Last week, an independent arbitrator suspended Watson for six games, but the league wasn’t satisfied with the decision, appealed and is hoping for a much lengthier punishment as well as a significant fine and that he undergo treatment before being considered for reinstatement.
That decision is expected
soon.
In the meantime, the Browns are planning to see Watson play in a game. They’re not sure when they might get to again.
For now, Watson’s scheduled appearance against the Jaguars will be his first in a game since Jan. 3, 2021, his final one with the Texans.
The 26-year-old Watson sat out last season after demanding a trade and before he was accused of assault and harassment by the women during massage therapy sessions he scheduled on Instagram.
Watson has denied any wrongdoing. Two separate grand juries in Texas declined to indict him and he settled 23 of 24 civil lawsuits.
The Browns decided to move on from 2018 No. 1 overall pick Baker Mayfield, traded three first-round picks to the Texans and signed Watson to a fiveyear, $230 million contract in March despite his legal entanglement.
Browns coach Kevin Stefanski plans to play Watson and “most” of Cleveland’s starters against the Jaguars. The team did not get any more specific about Stefanski’s plans before flying to Florida.
Jaguars coach Doug Pederson said QB Trevor Lawrence and the starters will play “a couple series.”
LB Smith off PUP list
The Chicago Bears’ standoff with Roquan Smith took another turn Wednesday when the team removed the star linebacker from the physically unable to perform list a day after he went public with a trade demand.
It was unclear if the Bears took him off the list because of a potential contract extension or trade, or to fine him for missing practices.
Smith has been a “hold-in” since training camp began with negotiations on a new deal apparently at a standstill.
Placing him on the physically unable to perform list allowed him to attend meetings and workouts at Halas Hall without being fined for missing practices.
Notable
Browns Pro Bowl return specialist Jakeem Grant Sr. was placed on injured reserve and will miss the season after tests confirmed he tore his left Achilles tendon during practice.
The Saints cut veteran running back Malcolm Brown and waived defensive back Bryce Thompson with an injury designation.