Deshaun Watson to start at quarterback for Browns in second preseason game

Browns franchise quarterback Deshaun Watson will get the ball rolling for Cleveland at First Energy Stadium in the team's second preseason game against the Washington Commanders.

The Browns have decided that Deshaun Watson will start for Cleveland on Friday night in front of their home fans. While it's unclear how much playing time Watson will get, he'll at least be out there for the first series.

Watson isn't looking to do too much on Friday night. Instead, he's looking to just get a feel for everything pregame and take control of the offense. 

"Get myself back in the routine to get ready for the season," Watson said when describing what he's hoping to get out of Friday night. 

With Watson, it has yet to be confirmed which other starters will be out there with him. However, it's expected that a majority of the first team will be starting as well.

The Browns also have quarterbacks Joshua Dobbs, Dorian Thompson-Robinson and Kellen Mond who all could see time on Friday night. 

After being suspended for the first 11 games of the 2022 NFL season, Watson and the Browns went 3-3 in the team's final six games. 

Watson tallied 1,102 passing yards, seven touchdowns and five interceptions in those final six games.

After being away from the game for such an extended period of time, it was clear that Watson was rusty. Now that he's getting a full offseason with the coaching staff, his teammates and all of the off-the-field things are behind him, he can solely focus on football. 

The Browns defense has been impressed with Watson throughout camp thus far, especially his arm talent. Browns defensive end Ogbo Okoronkwo had some high praise for his expectations in 2023. 

"He has an arm... from the side throws to the deep throws, Deshaun Watson is Deshaun Watson," Okoronkwo said. "He definitely was rusty last year... who wouldn't be after missing that much ball? But y'all are going to see Deshaun Watson football this year for sure.