Deshaun Watson Watch: How’s QB Look In Practice For Browns?

Former Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson is shedding the rust he has accumulated during NFL suspension in advance of first game Dec. 4 at NRG Stadium.

HOUSTON -- When former Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson faces his old team next month at NRG Stadium, the Cleveland Browns expect him to be ready.

The three-time Pro Bowl quarterback has been impressive in his first practices of the regular season this week as he serves the final weeks of his 11-game NFL suspension for violations of the league's personal conduct policy.

Although Watson has missed a lot of time while not practicing with the team since training camp under the terms of his punishment, he has stayed sharp working out with private quarterbacks coach Quincy Avery and in shape with his personal trainer.

“He looked good,” Browns offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt said during a press conference. “I know he’s been working hard while he has been away from the building. Excited to see him out there. He made some throws after practice. 

"We call it ‘opportunity period’ where you’re like, ‘OK, that is impressive stuff.’ He looks good. Continue to work him in. He’s been in the room now for a while so I think he has a good understanding of how we work in the game week and transition him in when the time comes.”

The Browns are getting Watson ready by having him take some of the first-team offensive snaps while Jacoby Brissett starts his last few games before they give the football to Watson, a former Texans first-round draft pick acquired this offseason in a blockbuster trade and signed to a $230 million fully guaranteed contract. 

“You have intent of what you’re trying to get done and what reps that you can give Deshaun that you feel like Jacoby has a great understanding of that does not actually need that rep again,” Van Pelt said. “You’re trying to make sure that you have the right plays selected for Deshaun with at the same time not shorting Jacoby and his preparation.”

Watson also takes part in scout team reps.

“He has been,” Van Pelt said. “There’s the fine line of keeping Josh Dobbs ready to go, too, so there is a little bit of a juggling act, but we have a plan.”

Overall, the Browns are pleased with Watson's work ethic and attention to detail and knowledge of the playbook.

“He’s been practicing obviously for this time away from the building,” Van Pelt said. “When the plays came in, they came right back to the huddle. They were very clean, good calls. I think that is probably the biggest thing that I noticed is his command of the verbiage.”

Watson returned to practice this week, and he was ready to go.

"Everything has gone well with his training and focus and preparation," a source said. "He's worked extremely hard during this time away from the team and we're excited to have him back with us."

The Dec. 4 game will mark Watson's first game since the final game of the 2020 season for the Texans, the team that drafted him in the first round out of Clemson, and traded him this offseason to the Browns in a blockbuster transaction that sent them three first-round draft picks.

Watson is eligible for full reinstatement Nov. 28. Under a settlement of his disciplinary matter with the NFL negotiated in August by the NFL Players Association and his agency, Watson was allowed to return to work out at the Browns' training facility Oct. 10 and attend meetings. He was allowed to resume practicing Nov. 14 in advance of the Texans game. 

Watson was accused of sexual misconduct by multiple female masseuses and settling 23 civil lawsuits. Two Texas grand juries declined to indict Watson on criminal charges after 10 complaints were filed against him. He is represented by Houston-based attorney Rusty Hardin. Watson has maintained his innocence in interviews and statements.

“It’s been great to have him back in the building,” Browns general manager Andrew Berry said. “He’s been focused on working on himself. He’s stayed in great shape. He’s been a part of the meetings. He’s done everything and more that’s been asked of him."

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