Browns HC Kevin Stefanski on waiting for Deshaun Watson news: 'You control the controllables'

It was back in late June when Cleveland Browns running back Kareem Hunt publicly admitted that it was "definitely stressful" for members of the coaching staff and other individuals associated with the franchise to not know the status of starting quarterback Deshaun Watson, who could be suspended for part or all of the upcoming season over allegations of sexual misconduct during massage sessions.

Per a Friday report, NFL disciplinary officer Sue L. Robinson will not issue a ruling on the Watson matter before Monday at the earliest. The Browns open the preseason portion of the schedule at the Jacksonville Jaguars on Aug. 12. 

According to Josh Alper of Pro Football Talk, Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski was asked during his Friday press conference about having to prepare for the 2022 campaign without knowing if Watson will be available when the games begin to matter in September. 

"You control the controllables," Stefanski responded. "I control what goes on on this field, so I do that. It’s important for me, all of us, to control what we can control." 

Stefanski offered somewhat of a similar comment Thursday when he told reporters that Watson had "really thrown himself into" football-related matters such as meetings and practices despite the uncertainty about his availability. Backup Jacoby Brissett is on track to start if Watson is suspended, but the Browns could look to sign veteran Jimmy Garoppolo if their QB1 receives a significant punishment and if Garoppolo is ultimately released by the San Francisco 49ers next month.