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Deshaun Watson has shown signs of progress with respect to his treatment program, which was compulsory following his 11-game suspension by the NFL. Although the Cleveland Browns quarterback's suspension is now over, he is expected to remain in his treatment program indefinitely. A source close to the quarterback's treatment program noted his progress to ESPN:
"He's been progressing well and he wants to continue with it, and they feel it's helping him. It's just sort of ongoing as needed and it'll be ongoing until it's not needed anymore. And I think it's given him a lot of help and support. But this could take a while."
The treatment program was deemed private, and the quarterback did not shed light on his treatment. Watson chose not to discuss his treatment during a news conference leading up to his return to play. The three-time Pro Bowler will make his debut with the Browns in Week 13 versus his former team, the Houston Texans.
Why was Deshaun Watson suspended by the NFL?
The Browns franchise quarterback was suspended for breaching the league's personal conduct policy following an investigation into alleged sexual misconduct. The quarterback was also fined $5 million and has had to take part in a mandatory treatment program.
Deshaun Watson was accused by over two dozen women of sexual assault and other inappropriate sexual misconduct during massage appointments. Over the summer, Watson reached an agreement on 23 lawsuits. The plaintiff dropped the 25th lawsuit when the judge ruled that her petition had to be modified with her name on it.
On Oct. 13, 2022, a 26th civil suit was filed as two other women filed criminal complaints against Watson but did not take legal action against him. Watson, who wasn't criminally charged, has continually rejected any wrongdoing and said people haven't been focused on hearing his side of the story.
At his press conference, the quarterback asserted that he's locked in on being the Browns' starting quarterback. Deshaun Watson said:
"At this time, I can't address any of that stuff. Who knows what the future holds. Right now, I'm locked in on being the starting quarterback for the Cleveland Browns."
His return will come approximately 700 days after he last played in an NFL regular-season game. That came in Week 18 versus the Tennessee Titans as the then-Texans quarterback threw for 365 yards, three touchdowns, and an interception. We will see if Deshaun Watson and the Cleveland Browns can turn the page as the season reaches a critical point.
If you use any of the above quotes, please credit ESPN, Browns.com and H/T Sportskeeda.
