Report: Deshaun Watson Must Prove ‘He’s on the Right Path’ in Order for His Suspension to be Lifted

Browns fans better hope Deshaun Watson is on the right path.

Deshaun Watson was suspended 11 games, and he also received the largest player fine in NFL history. Watson, who played for four seasons with Houston before being traded to Cleveland in March, settled 23 of 24 lawsuits filed by women alleging sexual harassment and assault during massage treatments in 2020 and 2021. Now according to a source, Watson can’t just go through the motions during his treatment. In fact he has to get the green light in order for his suspension to get lifted.

Via CBS:

“He must participate in treatment and have clinicians say “he’s on the right path” in order for the suspension to be lifted, according to one source. One important point, I’m told he could very well be cleared to play after the 11-game suspension but still be required to go to treatment. Three sources told me this could indeed go beyond Dec. 4 when Watson presumably takes over as the starting QB against his former team, the Texans.”

The Cleveland Browns quarterback will be eligible to return to the team’s facility as of October 10th as he serves his 11-game suspension.

Albert Breer laid out the plan for Watson to stay prepared for his eventual return.

“Deshaun Watson will start working this week toward Week 13. My understanding is that ahead of Watson’s suspension, Browns coach Kevin Stefanski, offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt and quarterbacks coach Drew Petzing worked with Watson’s throwing coach, Quincy Avery, to come up with an individualized plan, and throwing scripts, to keep Watson sharp while he’s away from the team.

That plan will be enacted this week by Avery and Watson who, for the time being, and until Watson’s allowed in the building, won’t be allowed to have contact with Browns coaches or anyone else with the team. As I’ve heard it, Watson and Avery will conduct sessions to include field drills, film and board work four days per week, and that’ll go for the next five weeks, with Watson allowed to return to the Browns’ practice facility Oct. 10, and begin practicing five weeks after that Nov. 14, ahead of his Dec. 4 return to the game field.

At least on paper, that looks like plenty of time for Watson to get reacclimated, though it’s fair to ask how rusty he’ll look after about 23 months without playing in a real NFL game.”

It’s unlikely the Browns will be running on all cylinders when Watson takes the field, because there will be some adjustment period getting used to a new QB.

There’s no doubt Watson will practicing football for months and isn’t going to stop during his suspension.

Hopefully for Browns fans He’ll be “on the right path”

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