Browns QB Watson returns from suspension to face former team
HOUSTON (AP) — When Deshaun Watson returns to the field Sunday, it will be in the same stadium where he played his last game 700 days ago.
The disgraced quarterback will make his debut for the Cleveland Browns (4-7) against his former team, the Houston Texans (1-9-1), in his return after serving an 11-game NFL suspension for sexual misconduct allegations.
Speaking for to reporters on Thursday for the first time since August, Watson declined to answer any questions not related to football. He spoke at length about his excitement to play not only in front of Browns fans but Texans fans as well.
“It has been great memories and fun memories,” he said of his time with the Texans. “I still have a home in Houston. I still have friends and family still in Houston and relationships that are still there.”
It will be his first game since Jan. 3, 2021, when he threw for 365 yards and three touchdowns for Houston in a 41-38 loss to Tennessee. Soon after that, he became unhappy with the direction of the team and requested a trade. Then, two dozen women accused him of sexual harassment or assault during massage therapy sessions.
He remained on Houston’s roster last year but sat out all season before being traded to the Browns in March.
Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson, left, talks to teammates during an NFL football practice at the team’s training facility Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2022, in Berea, Ohio. (AP Photo/David Richard)
Watson agreed to the lengthy suspension, a $5 million fine and to undergo professional counseling and therapy after an independent arbitrator ruled that he violated the league’s personal conduct policy.
Watson helped the Texans to two playoff berths in the four seasons before his trade request, becoming a fan favorite before his off-the-field issues began to overshadow his talent.
He was asked what reception he expects in his return to the city where he spent his entire NFL career.
“I am focusing on just being the starting quarterback and executing the game plan,” he said. “That is my main focus. I am not worried about the atmosphere.”
Watson will face a struggling squad that has lost six in a row and is the NFL’s only one-win team.
Some wonder if the 27-year-old Watson will be the player he was before, or if he’ll be rusty in his return.
“We’re telling our guys we’re going to see the best version of Deshaun,” Houston coach Lovie Smith said. “I think you go into every game that way. We have no idea. He hasn’t played for a long period of time, but we hope there is some rust and all those things.”
Watson was asked if he expects the long layoff to affect him.
“Honestly, I am not sure,” he said. “This is my first time having time off. My biggest focus is just going out there, and just really whatever (coach) Kevin (Stefanski) calls, make sure I am executing, taking it one play at a time, and let the game come to me, not press or anything like that.”
