Deshaun Watson Anticipated for Regular Season Return with the Cleveland Browns

Deshaun Watson is set to make his regular season debut as the Cleveland Browns face the Jacksonville Jaguars Sunday in Week 1. This kicks off a two-game stretch on the road for Watson and the Browns, with a subsequent matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 2. The team’s coaching staff will then determine whether Watson will lead the team at home against the Carolina Panthers in Week 3. The decision follows Watson’s response to being booed in Cleveland during the preseason.

The Browns’ head coach, Todd Monken, announced a challenge for Watson’s return. Starting right guard Tevon Jenkins will miss the Jaguars game due to a back injury. Instead, Austin Barber, a third-round draft pick this year, will start at right guard. Additionally, Spencer Fano, selected in the first round, will start at left tackle. This means Cleveland will rely on two rookies on the offensive line.

Monken remains optimistic about the capabilities of his young players. “Just the way they’ve practiced, just what I’ve seen every day,” Monken stated to Pro Football Talk. “That’s all you can go by, is what you see every day. And I haven’t seen anything to the contrary that would make me believe that they’re not going to play really, really well and confidently.”

These changes in the lineup pose a test to Watson’s mobility. Known for his ability to escape pressure while with the Houston Texans, Watson hasn’t demonstrated the same agility in Cleveland. Following an Achilles injury, a robust offensive line is crucial for Watson’s performance.

In 2024, Watson managed a 1-6 record as a starter for Cleveland before his Achilles injury. During that time, he completed 63.4% of his passes for 1,148 yards with five touchdowns and three interceptions.

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