Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson. Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Unio / USA TODAY NETWORK

Deshaun Watson reportedly 'on track' to meet terms for reinstatement

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 10/10/22

The Cleveland Browns lost Sunday's home game to the Los Angeles Chargers 30-28 to fall to 2-3 on the season but received a significant psychological boost ahead of this coming Sunday's home matchup against the 2-3 New England Patriots.

Members of the football community were recently reminded that Cleveland quarterback Deshaun Watson would be permitted to return to the team facility starting on Monday per the terms of his 11-game suspension related to allegations of sexual misconduct during massage sessions. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported Monday morning that Watson "is on track" to meet the terms for his eventual reinstatement that should make him eligible for his Browns regular-season debut at the Houston Texans, his former team, in Week 13 on Dec. 4.

#Browns QB Deshaun Watson has returned to building today as allowed and expected. First time since suspension began Aug. 30.
— Scott Petrak ct (@ScottPetrak) October 10, 2022

Along with serving the ban, Watson must pay a $5 million fine, undergo an evaluation by somebody selected by both the NFL and NFL Players Association, and complete counseling mandated by the league.

Watson still cannot attend practices, games, club sponsored events or media sessions but can meet with coaches, attend meetings, participate in rehab at the team's facility, eat meals in the cafeteria and take part in individual workouts with staff members. The 27-year-old cannot start practicing until Nov. 14 but has been working out with personal quarterback coach Quincy Avery since his suspension began.

Backup Jacoby Brissett is filling in for Watson and has performed admirably over the season's first five weeks. Per ESPN stats, Brissett began Monday 19th among eligible signal-callers with an 85.4 passer rating, sixth with a 65.8 total QBR, 17th with a 64.0% completion percentage, and 18th with 1,060 yards through the air on the campaign. He's matched five touchdown passes with three interceptions and also added a single rushing score.

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