2024-08-20 18:52:01
BEREA, Ohio (AP) — Deshaun Watson’s long-awaited preseason debut is on hold.
Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said Tuesday that Watson, who has not played since fracturing his right shoulder in November, will play in Saturday’s final exhibition game against the Seattle SuperSonics.
Watson has yet to play in Cleveland’s first two preseason games. Stefanski said last week that Watson’s plan was to play against the Seahawks, but now he’s not sure.
“All of our starters should expect to play and then we’ll decide who’s going to play and how many times,” Stefanski said before practice. “Especially Deshaun, I want to get all the information this week and really make a final decision later this week.”
Stefanski said he will weigh all factors, including the current injury situation at Cleveland’s offensive tackles.
The Browns were without starters Jedrick Wells Jr. and Jake Conklin, as well as three backup players injured against Minnesota on Saturday.
“Everything factors into any decision our players make,” Stefanski said. “We’re actually looking at it on a case-by-case basis and we want to figure out what they need to be ready for a 17-game season. “Every decision is specific to each player. “
Stefanski added that what Watson says will also be a factor in the decision.
Watson, 28, has played in just 12 games for the Browns over the past two seasons. He was suspended 11 games in 2020 and started just six games last season before undergoing surgery to repair a fractured glenoid bone in his throwing arm.
Watson participated in all but one practice during training camp. He said last week that he did not have to participate in the preseason and will play the first game of the season on September 8 against Dallas.
Asked if he thought Watson needed to make contact before facing the Cowboys, Stefanski responded: “I don’t think so.”
“He’s played a lot of football. “They’ve dealt with him a lot but he’s confident. “
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