NFL Rumors: How will Deshaun Watson's suspension saga affect Browns in Weeks 1 through 6?

Deshaun Watson has been suspended for six games for violating the league's personal conduct policy after over 20 women accused him of sexual misconduct during his time with Houston. He could, however, have an outside chance of starting for the Cleveland Browns in Week 1.

This is thanks to an appeal by Commissioner Roger Goodell and the NFL in an effort to increase the quarterback’s suspension and make it indefinite.

With the appeal being handled by former New Jersey Attorney General Peter C. Harvey, the investigation could spill into the regular season, giving Deshaun Watson the opportunity to start in the Browns' season opener. Pro Football Talk, however, believes the likelihood of this happening is slim to none.

"I still see people claiming that Deshaun Watson could end up playing Week One if the NFL imposes a longer suspension and the NFLPA sues. The fact that the NFLPA didn't appeal the six-game suspension wipes out that possibility. It's all about Week Seven and beyond at this point."

Deshaun Watson was given a six-game suspension based, in large part, on the NFL's punishments in prior cases of sexual misconduct

Cleveland Browns Mandatory Minicamp

Should the NFL’s appeal succeed, and Deshaun Watson receives a longer suspension, the NFLPA have missed their chance to appeal and shorten the suspension. Plus, the appeals policy in the NFL requires an expedited decision, so it’s likely Harvey will announce his findings by the time the regular season starts, which as of this writing, is five weeks away.

Of course, Sue L. Robinson’s six-game decision was based on precedents set by the NFL itself, more specifically, the two accusations of sexual assault brought against former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.

The first was a civil case that was settled out of court, and the NFL took no action at all. In the second case, all charges were dropped against Roethlisberger, yet the NFL handed him a six-game suspension for violating the league's personal conduct policy.

While Deshaun Watson had far more cases against him, Robinson considered his actions as "non-violent sexual assault" and set the suspension based on prior cases.

Regardless of the outcome of the appeal, expect to see backup quarterback Jacoby Brissett start in place of Deshaun Watson in Weeks 1 through 6.

If you use any of the above quotes, please credit Pro Football Talk and H/T Sportskeeda.