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Deshaun Watson is now permitted to play after adhering to the conditions of his ban. He is set to take over from Jacoby Brissett in Week 13's game against the Houston Texans, his former team.
Watson is now the starting quarterback for the Cleveland Browns and will be motivated by the prospect of facing the group that selected him in 2017. Both he and the Texans will be desperate to have the bragging rights in a game that goes a little deeper than football.
Watson was a three-time Pro Bowl QB and one of the league's most productive passers at the Texans. However, he wanted a trade away from Houston, which, coupled with a surge of allegations, resulted in him sitting out the 2021 seaso
Jacoby Brissett has regularly performed well with the Cleveland Browns and consistently exceeded expectations this campaign. He has become one of the league's most respected quarterbacks by going about his business in these difficult conditions. Brissett has passed for 2,608 yards, 12 TDs and six interceptions this season.
Why has Deshaun Watson not played in 700 days?
Deshaun Watson's debut season with the Texans was cut short by a knee injury, but he recovered and started three more seasons later. He was chosen for the Pro Bowl in each of the three years. However, Watson didn't play for the Texans in his final year with them due to tension with Houston's top staff and claims of sexual misbehavior by many massage therapists.
When a grand jury failed to indict Watson on criminal charges, Houston traded him, with the Browns paying a steep price for the QB.
Following a year-long investigation and an initial ruling which was appealed, Watson was fined and suspended for 11 games by the NFL. As he attempts to advance the 4-7 Browns into the postseason, Watson is expected to start against Houston.
Can Deshaun Watson's return propel the team to the playoff?
Making the postseason will be more complicated than it appears after being absent from the league for nearly two years. With a crucial part of the season ahead, Watson's comeback has given Browns supporters optimism that a push for the playoffs may still be possible.
The Browns are just about in contention for the playoffs still. An interesting overtime Week 12 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers has kept them alive. That Watson's first game is against a team with just one victory is also advantageous.
With Deshaun Watson in charge and five games still remaining, there is still the possibility of making the postseason. With one loss likely signaling the end of Cleveland's chances, we will see how rusty Watson is when he takes the field in Week 13.
