CLEVELAND, Ohio (92.3 The Fan) – Deshaun Watson’s return to practice this week will not affect Jacoby Brissett’s preparation to face the Bills and Buccaneers the next two weeks according to head coach Kevin Stefanski.
“Jacoby is the No. 1 priority in getting him ready to play in this game,” Stefanski said. “Whatever we do with Deshaun, it won’t take away from Jacoby’s preparation.”
Under terms of the disciplinary settlement with the NFL, Watson can begin practicing Monday. The Browns, coming off a 39-17 loss at Miami, aren’t scheduled to work out again until Wednesday.
“That’s the next step for Deshaun is getting out there and being able to practice, Stefanski said. “We as coaches can be out there with him now and work with him which we’ve not been able to do. We’ll have a plan for him to start getting ready.”
The Browns have lost five of their last six and are 3-6 on the season.
Stefanski wouldn’t go as far as to say the return of Watson to the practice field would give his struggling team a boost.
“I think everybody understands the situation that we’re in,” Stefanski said. “The guys understand Deshaun and being a great teammate he’s going to get his work in. Jacoby’s going to do the same. I don’t see it in that vain, but I see it as the next step for Deshaun being able to practice.”
Watson is eligible for full reinstatement November 28, and he will start December 4 at Houston against the Texans.
Watson is serving an 11-game suspension related to a disciplinary settlement with the NFL that followed an investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct during massage therapy sessions from nearly two dozen women that were filed in Texas civil court. Watson also paid a $5 million fine.
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said at the NFL owner’s meetings last month that Watson continues to meet the conditions of his suspension and is on track to be reinstated on time.