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The Cleveland Browns raised a few eyebrows earlier this week. They said that they plan to start Deshaun Watson in their first preseason game. The quarterback is still waiting to hear the verdict from the NFL's decision to challenge his six-week suspension.
Barring any late intervention from Peter C. Harvey in the next few hours, Watson will start for the Browns. NFL insider Ian Rapoport has confirmed that the former Clemson star will take to the field against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Rapoport said:
"Well, the plan is for Deshaun Watson to start this game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, for the Cleveland Browns. And you know, on the one hand, it's not a big deal. Starting quarterback starts preseason game, not really a huge headline. But, the reason this is a thing is because of-course there is still the wait now that continues for his suspension."
When Watson steps onto the field, it will be the first time he has seen game action in over 19 months. January 3, 2021, was the last time he appeared in an NFL game, when the Houston Texans took on the Tennessee Titans. The Titans won the 41-38 shootout that night.
The new Browns quarterback will be hoping for a similar personal performance when he takes on the Jaguars. Watson went 28 of 39 for 365 yards in his last outing, throwing for three touchdowns and one interception.
Also Checkout:- Jaguars Preseason Schedule
Will Deshaun Watson's suspension be extended?
The Browns have not indicated how long they intend to keep him on the field tonight. However, as their new franchise quarterback has not seen action in over 550 days, he may well want a quarter or two to shake off the rust.
It's almost certain that the NFL will extend the quarterback's suspension. It would be a major surprise if Peter C. Harvey doesn't hand down the year-long ban that NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has requested.
Cleveland Browns fans will surely be tuning in to see their new hero in action. However, it will not be lost on them that this may be the first and last time they see Watson on the field this season.
Meanwhile, the Jacksonville Jaguars got their preseason under way a week early, thanks to their participation in the Hall of Fame game. New head coach Doug Pederson sat most of his starters against the Las Vegas Raiders. However, he has indicated that Trevor Lawrence and company will get a runout against the Browns.
One of the highlights for Jacksonville last week was the performance of the first-overall pick from the 2021 Draft, Travon Walker. Walker, who has been switched to outside linebacker, recorded a sack and was a constant menace in the backfield. The Jacksonville Jaguars will be hoping to see further progression from their talented young rookie, which may cause a few headaches for DW4.
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