Browns activate Watson to play against Texans

The Browns cut quarterback Joshua Dobbs in a corresponding move.

Deshaun Watson served an 11-game suspension for violating the league’s personal conduct policy by committing sexual assault, as defined by the NFL. He was also fined $5 million and had to undergo a mandatory treatment program.

Deshaun Watson’s return on Sunday will mark exactly 700 days since he last played in a regular-season game (with the Texans on Jan. 3, 2021).

Watson has been accused by more than two dozen women of sexual assault and other sexual misconduct during massage sessions. Over the summer he agreed to settle 23 of the 24 claims against him. Another plaintiff dropped the 25th complaint when the judge ruled that her petition had to be amended with her name on it. Two other women filed criminal complaints against Watson, but did not sue him. On Oct. 13, another woman filed a lawsuit against Watson, alleging that he pressured her to have oral sex during a massage session in 2020.

Two grand juries in Texas declined to file criminal charges against Deshaun Watson earlier this year. Watson has repeatedly denied wrongdoing and said people have not been interested in hearing his side of the story.

He has yet to speak publicly since his suspension was announced in August, though he is expected to do so later this week.

The Browns acquired Deshaun Watson in March, sending the Texans three first-round picks. Cleveland also signed Watson to a five-year contract worth $230 million guaranteed, the highest contract in NFL history.

Watson has been practicing with the Browns since Nov. 16 and has attended team meetings and worked out at the training facility since Oct. 10.

Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said Monday that the team is “excited” to see him play.

“He’s done a good job with his time away, staying physically fit, mentally fit,” Stefanski announced. “I think he’ll be ready to roll.”

Cleveland has a 4-7 record after Sunday’s overtime victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.