The factory of sadness is open. The Browns are 1-1 and should continue to cruise through most of the 2022 season. NFL without the fourth Deshaun Watson.
Cleveland infamously traded the quarterback last offseason and then signed him to a big extension even though Watson was involved in civil sexual harassment cases and facing suspension of the NFL.
After months of legal proceedings and back-and-forth between the league, Watson and the NFLPA, the quarterback was handed a lengthy ban in August, ending a year-long history that will keep him out of action for almost two years.
That’s how long Cleveland will be without their would-be franchise QB.
When will Deshaun Watson return from suspension?
Watson may return from suspension in Week 13 (Dec. 4), coincidentally (or not) to face his old team, the Houston Texans. The game is scheduled to be played in Houston.
Watson has not been able to practice with the Browns since Aug. 30. He can return to the team’s training facility on October 10 and resume training on November 14 before being officially reinstated.
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Timeline of Deshaun Watson’s suspension
On August 18, the Browns quarterback and the league agreed to an 11-game suspension beginning in Week 1 against the Panthers. As long as he remains healthy and without further legal issues, he should be able to return to action in Week 13.
Watson’s suspension puts Jacoby Brissett in the spotlight for most of the season. Watson will be out for the following regular season games:
- Week 1: vs. Panthers (26-24, win)
- Week 2: vs. Jets (31-30, lost)
- Week 3: Vs. Steel mills
- Week 4: Vs. hawks
- Week 5: Vs. explosives
- Week 6: Vs. patriots
- Week 7: Vs. crows
- Week 8: Vs. Bengal
- Week 9: Bye
- Week 10: Vs. Dolphins
- Week 11: Vs. Accounts
- Week 12: Vs. Buccaneers
The 11-game suspension was agreed to by both the NFL and the NFLPA, after a lawsuit and appeal was dismissed by the league.
It’s unclear exactly where the 11-game number came from, but it’s longer than the original six-game suspension ordered by Judge Sue L. Robinson, who is overseeing Watson’s disciplinary hearings. the nfl withdrew his appeal of Robinson’s decision and accepted all 11 games.
Watson also has to pay a fine 5 million dollars and must undergo counseling as part of his punishment.
