Browns QB Deshaun Watson to play in preseason finale

Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson plans to play in Cleveland's preseason finale on Aug. 24, in what would be his first game action since Nov. 12, coach Kevin Stefanski said Monday.

Watson suited up and warmed up with teammates but didn't play in the preseason opener last week, a 23-10 loss to the Green Bay Packers.

Stefanski said the "plan" for Watson is to play Aug. 24 against the Seahawks but not play Saturday against the Minnesota Vikings in Cleveland's second preseason game of the summer. But Watson is the No. 1 quarterback in joint practices with the Vikings this week.

"He'll get the vast majority of the reps; again, not playing in the game on Saturday night, so he'll get his work done versus them in a controlled setting," Stefanski said Monday.

Watson is recovering from offseason shoulder surgery and was inactive for 11 games in 2023 due to injuries. He played in six games in 2022, tagging in for Jacoby Brissett following an NFL suspension for alleged misconduct the league termed as "egregious acts" of "sexualized contact" with massage therapists.

The Browns hired Ken Dorsey as offensive coordinator and acquired wide receiver Jerry Jeudy from the Denver Broncos among other offseason changes.

General manager Andrew Berry said at the outset of training camp that he anticipates a "big year" for Watson based on his commitment and training since surgery.

Watson also sat out the 2021 season in an effort to force the Houston Texans to trade him.

--Field Level Media