When the Jacksonville Jaguars take the field Friday, they’ll be standing across from a familiar face as quarterback Deshaun Watson has been given the nod to play in his first NFL game in almost two years. The Cleveland Browns announced the news on Wednesday and they also plan to play most of their starters.
Watson’s status is one many have been watching as he is set to face a six-game suspension that could be extended. The former Houston Texans quarterback was recently accused of sexual misconduct during massage sessions in 2020 and early 2021 through civil lawsuits filed by 24 women. Of those lawsuits, 23 of 24 cases have been settled.
While the Browns have made the decision, it’s still possible that Watson could miss Friday’s game if NFL designee Peter C. Harvey follows through with the league’s wish to suspend Watson indefinitely. Per Article 46 of the Collective Bargaining Agreement from 2020, the decisions made by the appeals officer will “constitute full, final and complete disposition of the dispute.”
It’s unknown when a ruling could come as there is no timetable for it. If Watson doesn’t play, though, Jacoby Brissett is the Browns’ next option on the depth chart.