Browns HC Kevin Stefanski: Deshaun Watson has 'really thrown himself into' work amid uncertainty

Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski confirmed expected news on Wednesday when he told reporters that backup quarterback Jacoby Brissett will be his starter if first-choice option Deshaun Watson is suspended for part or all of the 2022 NFL season regarding allegations of sexual misconduct during massage sessions. 

Watson reported for training camp ahead of last weekend and remains available to participate in practices alongside teammates until further notice as he and the Browns wait for league disciplinary officer Sue L. Robinson to announce a ruling. Per Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer, Stefanski spoke with media members on Thursday and insisted Watson is doing well to focus on the tasks at hand this summer. 

"With Deshaun, I know there’s that uncertainty like we talked about yesterday but we can only control what we can control and I think that’s what he’s done a very nice job of," Stefanski said of the 26-year-old. "So much of that is football. There’s a lot of volume to what we’re doing right now when it comes to football. There’s a lot of meetings. There’s a lot to install. There’s a lot of workout and walk-through at practice and he’s really thrown himself into that."

Along with Watson and Brissett, the Browns also have Joshua Dobbs and Josh Rosen in their quarterback room. Regardless of reports and rumors, there's no indication Cleveland is considering trading for San Francisco 49ers veteran Jimmy Garoppolo now that Garoppolo has been replaced atop his team's depth chart by 2021 rookie Trey Lance.

For now, Stefanski plans to give both Watson and Brissett "a ton of reps" in practices.