Watson returns to Browns facility
CLEVELAND − On Monday, quarterback Deshaun Watson made his first appearance at the Browns' team facility since the start of his 11game suspension.
"I believe he's in the meeting rooms with our guys, and he's in there with the guys right now, which is great for him and us to have him back with his teammates," coach Kevin Stefanski said. "I know he can't be out on the field and working out just yet with guys, so we'll just take that one day by day."
Watson had been banned from any contact with the staff since Aug. 30 as part of his punishment related to the allegations against him of sexual misconduct. Of the 24 women who have sued him, 23 have settled.
Under the terms of his suspension, Watson is currently limited to activities within the team facility, such as meetings, using the weight room and utilizing access to the athletic trainers. He is not allowed to do any on-field work.
The first time Watson will be allowed back onto the field for practice will be Nov. 14, the day after the Browns play at the Miami Dolphins. He's slated to be reinstated from the suspended list on Nov. 28, the day after their home game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and the first game he is eligible to play in is against his former team, the Houston Texans, on Dec. 4.
Until then, Jacoby Brissett is expected to remain the starter for the Browns. He's been in the top 10 in the league in quarterback rating through five games. However, all three of his interceptions have come in crucial moments with less than three minutes remaining and the Browns trailing.
Watson, according to Stefanski, spent much of the last month-plus in the Greater Cleveland area working. That includes work with his own personal coach, Quincy Avery.
"He's in a good spot," Stefanski said. "I think he worked real hard, was in town working locally, making sure he was staying on top of it physically. Now he just has to catch up a little bit in the meeting room."