Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson completed 22 of his 34 passes for 186 yards while adding five carries for 20 yards and a touchdown in an 18-13 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 2. Watson and the Browns offense came out hot in the first half, scoring 16 points with the quarterback punctuating an 89-yard drive with a one-yard touchdown run in the first quarter. Watson looked much more comfortable than in Week 1, although he only has one touchdown pass with two interceptions through two games. He will look for more in Week 3 when the Browns face the New York Giants at home.
Sep 15, 2024 5:26 PM EST
Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson not only had a rough season opener in the blowout loss to the Dallas Cowboys, but he's facing a new civil lawsuit alleging he sexually assaulted a woman in 2020. Despite Watson's struggles in Week 1, there is a belief in the building that Watson can rediscover his on-field magic and there have been no talks about benching him in favor of Jameis Winston or Dorian Thompson-Robinson. Watson's contract has been the subject of media scrutiny the last several days, but there are too many unknowns to say anything definitively. However, there appears to be a chance the Browns could void guarantees in Watson's contract if he didn't alert the team about the new civil suit and an NFL investigation reveals the lawsuit to be credible. On the field, Watson is quickly falling in the QB2 ranks as he heads into a Week 2 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Sep 14, 2024 12:08 PM EST
Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson turned in a disappointing outing in a Week 1 loss to the Dallas Cowboys. The veteran signal-caller will look to bounce back in a road matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 2. Jacksonville's defense struggled to contain opposing quarterbacks in 2023, allowing the fourth-most fantasy points per game to the position and just over 18 fantasy points to Tua Tagovailoa in Week 1 this season. That being said, Watson's recent struggles don't evoke much confidence in him in fantasy, even in a favorable matchup. Treat him as a low-end QB2 heading into Week 2.
Sep 13, 2024 8:20 PM EST
ESPN's Jeremy Fowler doesn't think it's quite time for the Cleveland Browns to consider replacing quarterback Deshaun Watson with backup Jameis Winston after the former looked pretty bad in the Week 1 loss to the Dallas Cowboys. In Watson's defense, the Browns were playing without their top two offensive tackles against a strong Cowboys defense. Fowler believes the Browns will give Watson a healthy run to prove himself, but he also hasn't looked like the same QB who starred for the Texans from 2017-20. There are concerns about whether Watson can regain his fastball after shoulder surgery, but people with the Browns have been adamant that they saw glimpses of the old Watson during the preseason. But until we actually see that in the regular season, Watson's fantasy stock continues to plummet heading into Week 2 against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Sep 12, 2024 1:16 PM EST
Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson's attorney, Rusty Hardin, released a statement on his client's behalf on Wednesday denying recent allegations of more sexual misconduct against him. "Deshaun strongly denies the allegations in the Jane Doe lawsuit filed Monday. We have asked him not to comment further while this matter works its way through the courts, but are comfortable he will ultimately be vindicated," Hardin wrote in the statement. "We will be ready to defend this case in court at the appropriate time, but don't intend to conduct our defense in the media. We would ask that people be patient while the legal process runs its course." In the meantime, the NFL doesn't plan to put Watson on the commissioner's exempt list, so he will be active as a QB2 in fantasy in Week 2 versus the Jacksonville Jaguars after a poor showing in the Week 1 loss to the Dallas Cowboys.
Sep 11, 2024 1:04 PM EST
The NFL doesn't plan on placing Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson on the commissioner's exempt list in light of a new civil lawsuit stemming from a 2020 allegation since there have been no criminal charges, and the league's review of the situation has just begun. "We are reviewing the complaint and we will look into the matter under the Personal Conduct Policy," an NFL public-relations person said. The 28-year-old served an 11-game suspension in 2022 after two dozen women accused him of sexual assault during massage sessions, but this new lawsuit accuses him of sexual assault and batter in 2020. Another suspension for the Browns QB could be coming, but it most likely will be delayed until the legal process plays out. In addition to new legal issues, Watson looked terrible in the Week 1 loss to the Dallas Cowboys and he'll be firmly on the QB2 radar for a Week 2 meeting with Jacksonville.
Sep 10, 2024 1:36 PM EST
Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson was sued on Monday in Houston for sexual assault and battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. The accusations are very similar to those that were made against Watson in more than 20 lawsuits filed back in 2021, and the plaintiff is represented by Tony Buzbee, who represented many others who sued Watson in 2021. It's possible that Watson could be subject to further scrutiny under the league's personal-conduct policy, and it's also possible that a suspension could give the Browns a path toward voiding his remaining salary guarantees and ending the relationship. The biggest difference between this new case and the others is that Watson is specifically accused of sexual assault. After a terrible Week 1 performance against the Cowboys on Sunday, now Watson has yet another legal issue hanging over his head.
Sep 9, 2024 6:24 PM EST
Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson completed 24 of his 45 passes for 169 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions while adding 39 yards on five carries in a 33-17 loss to the Dallas Cowboys in Week 1. It was a rough afternoon for Watson, who did not look comfortable for much of the game while going against a fierce Dallas pass rush. His lone touchdown pass was a six-yard completion to Jerry Jeudy in the third quarter. Watson should have had another touchdown pass late in the fourth quarter as he threw a strike near the goal line to a wide-open Amari Cooper, who let the ball slip between his hands for an incompletion. While the offense's sluggish start to the season is concerning for Browns fans and fantasy gamers rostering Watson alike, it is worth noting that the Cowboys have an excellent defense, so better times could still be ahead. That said, Watson looks like a middling QB2 heading into a Week 2 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars on the road.
Sep 8, 2024 8:06 PM EST
Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson will kick off his 2024 season with a tough road matchup against the Dallas Cowboys. Watson did not see any game action in the preseason after his 2023 campaign was cut short by a shoulder injury suffered during Week 12 against the Baltimore Ravens, so there may be a bit of rust to knock off for the signal-caller. The Cowboys represent a tough matchup for Watson as they allowed just the 26th-most fantasy points per game to the quarterback position last season. Watson's tenure with the Browns has been marked by inconsistency, although he will play with the best group of pass catchers he has had since joining the team two years ago. Treat Watson as a low-end QB2 with some upside for the season opener.
Sep 6, 2024 9:04 PM EST
The Cleveland Browns restructured quarterback Deshaun Watson's contract, freeing up $35.83 million in cap space. $44.79 million of Watson's 2024 base salary was converted to a signing bonus to create the extra cap space, which Cleveland now leads the league in with over $62 million. It's an interesting move by the organization, and it could mean they have their eye on a few transactions before the start of the 2024 campaign. However, that is not being reported. This season presents a prove-it year for Watson, who has struggled in just 12 game appearances over the last two seasons since being traded from the Houston Texans.
Aug 29, 2024 9:00 AM EST
Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski isn't concerned about the health of quarterback Deshaun Watson (arm). He didn't suit up for the team's preseason finale versus the Seattle Seahawks. However, Stefanski downplayed any speculation regarding Watson's "arm soreness," stating he feels "great" about the signal-caller's health. In addition, Stefanski expects Watson to participate fully in upcoming practices, although he's already comfortable with the amount of work his quarterback has put in this offseason. While the coach isn't concerned, the same can't be said for fantasy managers, considering Watson's limited time on the field in the last few seasons. But the Browns open the season in a few weeks against the Cowboys, so many questions will get answered.
Aug 25, 2024 3:21 PM EST
The Cleveland Browns have ruled out quarterback Deshaun Watson (shoulder) for their preseason finale on Saturday night against the Seattle Seahawks. Watson, who has not played since having season-ending shoulder surgery last November, is next slated to play in the team's regular-season opener against the Dallas Cowboys in early September. It's not really a surprise after the 28-year-old signal-caller was held back in Wednesday's practice with general arm soreness. With Watson sitting on Saturday, backup Jameis Winston will draw the start versus Seattle. Watson is best considered as a QB2 with upside in fantasy after playing in a total of 12 games the last two years with Cleveland due to injuries. The former first-rounder proved in 2020 with the Houston Texans, though, that he has clear QB1 upside, throwing for a league-high 4,823 yards with 33 TDs and only seven interceptions.
Aug 24, 2024 1:51 PM EST
Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (shoulder) participated fully in practice on Thursday after being limited on Wednesday with "general arm soreness." While there's no update yet on if Watson will face the Seahawks on Saturday night in the preseason finale at Lumen Field, it's more important to see he's back in action for the Browns on Thursday. The 28-year-old former Pro Bowler is coming off a rough season in Cleveland, dealing with a rotator cuff contusion, getting benched due to poor play altogether in Week 7, and eventually undergoing season-ending surgery to repair a fractured shoulder. Even with Watson being treated as a QB2 choice in fantasy drafts this summer, his rushing upside gives him QB1 potential if he can return to the form he once showed with the Houston Texans.
Aug 22, 2024 2:24 PM EST
Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (arm) was removed from practice early on Wednesday due to "general arm soreness," according to Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN. The Browns' head coach, Kevin Stefanski, later said that this was a precautionary move and that he's "not overly concerned." Watson has missed most of the last few NFL seasons due to injuries and issues off the field, but he was a fantasy superstar back in 2020 with the Houston Texans, throwing for a league-high 4,823 yards and a career-high 33 touchdowns. The Browns organization and fantasy managers alike now hope that the 28-year-old can regain that form and have a productive season as the team's QB1, but until that happens, he's best drafted as a QB2 with upside.
Aug 21, 2024 4:48 PM EST
Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson will play in the Browns' final preseason game on August 24th. Live game reps will help Watson get back into a groove as he is coming off of shoulder surgery performed in November of 2023. Watson has struggled during his Browns tenure. He has only played in twelve of a possible 34 games due to injury and suspension. He only managed to throw for 1,115 yards and seven touchdowns with a completion percentage of 61.4% in six games in 2023. Fantasy managers will be eager to see how Watson fares in the preseason to gauge how well he may be able to support pass catchers such as Jerry Jeudy, Amari Cooper, and David Njoku.
Aug 12, 2024 6:45 PM EST
Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski said that quarterback Deshaun Watson (shoulder) will get the "vast majority of the reps" against the Minnesota Vikings in joint practices this week, but he won't play in the second preseason contest game next Saturday against the Vikings despite being cleared for full contact. Watson hasn't had any setbacks in his recovery from right-shoulder surgery last year, but the Browns are being careful with the 28-year-old, and it now looks like he won't get any preseason reps until perhaps the final game. The former 12th overall pick by the Houston Texans in 2017 out of Clemson is a three-time Pro Bowler but has played in only 12 games total since joining Cleveland in 2021 due to a suspension and injuries. Draft him as a QB2 with upside as he looks for a bounce-back campaign in 2024.
Aug 11, 2024 1:54 PM EST
Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (shoulder) continues to participate fully in training camp sessions. However, the Browns aren't taking any chances with his recovery from season-ending shoulder surgery, with Zac Jackson of The Athletic reporting that the team is "closely monitoring" his rehab efforts. The 28-year-old had his best season in 2020 while still a member of the Houston Texans. Yet, he's struggled in limited action in his first two seasons in Cleveland. With that in mind, Watson has plenty of tools in his arsenal. As a result, the signal-caller is a bounce-back candidate this season, but he'll need to stay healthy.
Aug 3, 2024 2:28 PM EST
Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (shoulder) is resting on Friday after throwing the last six days straight, head coach Kevin Stefanski told reporters. Stefanski added that Watson has had no limitations with his surgically-repaired right shoulder in training camp. It remains to be seen if he'll be available for the Aug. 10 preseason opener against the visiting Green Bay Packers, but fantasy managers want to get a look at the 28-year-old three-time Pro Bowler as soon as possible after he recorded just 2,217 passing yards with 14 touchdowns and nine interceptions over two years (12 games) since joining Cleveland in 2022. In 2021 with the Houston Texans, Watson led the league in passing yards (4,823), yards per attempt (8.9), and yards per completion (12.6) in his last fully healthy season and is a sleeper target for late-round QB strategists at the end of drafts this summer.
Aug 2, 2024 2:19 PM EST
Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (shoulder) ended practice before the other three quarterbacks on the fourth day of training camp, but it was nothing of concern. Watson is coming off November surgery to repair the fractured right shoulder socket, and it sounds like the Browns are simply monitoring his reps in order to maintain his health. Watson threw for three consecutive days to begin training camp, and it remains to be seen if he'll be ready to play in time for the Aug. 10 preseason opener against the visiting Green Bay Packers. The 28-year-old three-time Pro Bowler doesn't carry a whole lot of risk at his 167 ADP this summer in fantasy drafts, as he's being treated as a QB2 after putting up just 2,217 passing yards with 14 touchdowns and nine interceptions over two years (12 games) since joining Cleveland in 2022. In 2021, Watson led the league passing yards (4,823), yards per attempt (8.9), and yards per completion (12.6) in his last fully healthy season.
Jul 29, 2024 10:54 PM EST
Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski said that quarterback Deshaun Watson (shoulder) will be throwing in 11-on-11 team drills in training camp practice when the pads go on soon. Watson also took part in 11-on-11's this week without pads and is coming along nicely after having season-ending surgery on his right shoulder last year. He's on track to be 100% for the start of the 2024 regular season in Week 1. It's good news for a player that missed all of 2021 due to suspension and played in a combined 12 games the last two years for the Browns due to injuries. The 28-year-old signal-caller showed flashes of his high-end talent earlier in his career with the Houston Texans, but until he's able to stay healthy for a full year in Cleveland, fantasy managers should have him listed as a QB2 with upside.
Jul 27, 2024 1:02 PM EST