One of the biggest off-season storylines in the NFL might be nearing a resolution. According to multiple reports, retired federal judge Sue L. Robinson will release her decision on a potential Deshaun Watson suspension on Monday, August 1.
A three-day hearing before Judge Robinson took place at the end of June, and the judge asked for both the NFL and the NFLPA to submit written post-hearing briefs during the week of July 11th, and according to Pro Football Talk, those were submitted on July 12th.
According to Josina Anderson from CBS, the parties were informed on Sunday afternoon that the decision was coming “by some time Monday:”
I’m told relevant parties have already been notified that Sue Robinson is currently expected to inform them of the decision in the Deshaun Watson proceeding by some time Monday, per league sources.
— IG: JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) July 31, 2022
Jeff Howe of The Athletic confirmed the earlier reporting on Sunday, indicating that there is a “feeling in Cleveland” that the suspension will be in the four-to-eight game range:
Deshaun Watson is expected to be informed of a potential disciplinary ruling tomorrow, a source tells @jeffphowe.
There is a feeling in Cleveland that the Browns QB could receive a suspension of 4-8 games. pic.twitter.com/bqdemhJD4j
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) July 31, 2022
In recent days, Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski told the media that Jacoby Brissett is the team’s backup quarterback, and that the organization has a “plan” that they will adjust as information becomes available:
#Browns Kevin Stefanski on possible Deshaun Watson suspension: "We have a plan and as information becomes available we can adjust that plan."
Said they'll continue rotating the QBs like they usually do, and Watson and Jacoby Brissett will both get "a ton of reps."
— Camryn Justice (@camijustice) July 27, 2022
Only time will tell if that plan indeed needs an adjustment.