Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson has complied with the phrases of his 11-game suspension, in line with the NFL, and formally will likely be eligible Monday to play his first recreation of the season subsequent weekend in opposition to his former group, the Houston Texans.
Watson’s impending return means quarterback Jacoby Brissett is anticipated to make the final of his 11 begins to open this season Sunday in opposition to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Watson’s debut with the Browns subsequent Sunday will likely be precisely 700 days since he final performed in a regular-season recreation with the Texans on Jan. 3, 2021. He’s at some point away from finishing the phrases of his suspension, which was reached through settlement by the NFL and NFL Gamers Affiliation on Aug. 18.
Watson was suspended for violating the league’s private conduct coverage by committing sexual assault, as outlined by the NFL, on therapeutic massage therapists. He was additionally fined $5 million and has needed to bear a compulsory remedy program.
Watson has been accused by greater than two dozen girls of sexual assault and different inappropriate sexual misconduct throughout therapeutic massage classes. Over the summer season, Watson agreed to settle 23 of the 24 lawsuits in opposition to him. A twenty fifth lawsuit was dropped by the plaintiff when the choose dominated that her petition needed to be amended along with her title. Two different girls filed legal complaints in opposition to Watson however didn’t sue him.
Watson has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing and mentioned folks have not been fascinated with listening to his aspect of the story. He nonetheless hasn’t spoken publicly since his suspension was introduced.
The Browns traded for Watson in March, sending the Texans three first-round draft picks. Cleveland additionally signed Watson to a five-year deal price $230 million assured, the richest contract in NFL historical past.
Watson returned to take part in observe with the Browns on Nov. 16 and has been allowed to sit down in on group conferences and work out on the group’s coaching facility since Oct. 10. He’ll grow to be the sixth quarterback previously 15 seasons to make his debut in opposition to the group he final performed for, in line with the Elias Sports activities Bureau, and the third to do it this season, becoming a member of Baker Mayfield and Russell Wilson.
ESPN’s Jake Trotter contributed to this report.
