There is no more uncertainty regarding the future of Deshaun Watson in Cleveland: he will miss the first 11 games of the regular season.
The NFL announced a settlement between Watson and the league for an 11-game suspension with a $5 million fine, keeping him out of regular-season action until at least the team’s Week 13 clash against the Texans.
However, the suspension does not impact his status in the preseason. It officially goes into place at 4 p.m. ET on Aug. 30, meaning he can continue to participate in practices and preseason games.
That won’t exactly be the case, however. When the Browns take the field at FirstEnergy Stadium on Sunday against the Eagles, Watson will not be on the field.
Here’s why he won’t be playing.
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Why Deshaun Watson won’t play vs. Eagles
Following the announcement of Watson’s suspension, Browns coach Kevin Stefanski told reporters Watson would not be playing in either the second preseason game against the Eagles or the third preseason game against the Bears.
Stefanski did not give an exact reason as to why Watson would not be playing in either of the two games, but he spoke about the need to get backup Jacoby Brissett more time on the field with the first team offense. While Stefanski acknowledged that Watson will eventually be playing, he said the team needs to start to get a look at Brissett as the starter under center.
“We want to get a good look at some of our scheme vs. another scheme if you will, but ultimately as we transition out of this week, Jacoby will get really all of the reps,” Stefanski said.
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That will also mean less work for Watson in general. Stefanski was asked if Watson’s workload at practices will decrease as Aug. 30 nears, to which Stefanski said it would.
“In the practices, yes, in the repetitions of practice, but not in what he’s doing here in the building,” Stefanski said. “So more working off to the side then taking the reps per se.”
Watson played in the team’s first preseason game against the Jaguars, completing 1-of-5 passes for seven yards.
Browns QB depth chart
Heading into Sunday’s contest with the Eagles, Brissett will be expected to play for the first time this preseason. With Watson suspended for the first 11 games of the 2022 season, Brissett will be the team’s starter, barring any additional moves.
Backing Brissett up will presumably be one of either Joshua Dobbs or Josh Rosen. The Browns currently have Dobbs listed as the third QB on the depth chart with Rosen listed fourth.
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Dobbs has seen limited action in his career since he was drafted in the fourth round by the Steelers in 2017. He has appeared in six games and completed 10-of-17 passes for 45 yards with one interception. He’s also rushed six times for 31 yards.
Rosen has seen more extended action as the Cardinals’ 2018 10th overall pick started in 13 of 14 games back in 2018 to lackluster results. He completed 55.2 percent of his passes for 11 touchdowns and 14 interceptions, while rushing 23 times for 138 yards. He has since been a backup in Miami and Atlanta.
