Deshaun Watson has not yet been formally charged and is eligible to play in preseason games such as Houston's matchup at the Green Bay Packers on Saturday. Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Grand jury investigation open regarding Deshaun Watson allegations?

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 8/13/21

It appears there's a new development in the saga involving Houston Texans star quarterback Deshaun Watson, who is reportedly facing 22 lawsuits alleging acts of sexual assault and misconduct and 10 criminal complaints.

According to Mark Berman of Houston's Fox 26, the Harris County District Attorney's office is sending out subpoenas in connection with a grand jury investigation:

According to sources with knowledge of the situation there is a Harris County grand jury investigation being used to determine if there is sufficient evidence to bring criminal charges against #Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson stemming from the 22 civil lawsuits filed against… pic.twitter.com/xRADFNry3R
— Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) August 13, 2021

As Mike Florio noted for Pro Football Talk, witnesses will be compelled to testify before the grand jury regarding the allegations made against Watson. NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy told Berman: "We continue to monitor all developments in the matter which remains under review of the personal conduct policy."

Watson has not yet been formally charged and is eligible to play in preseason games such as Houston's matchup at the Green Bay Packers on Saturday. However, the 25-year-old requested a trade from the Texans before the accusations against him went public, and the club recently listed him as a fourth-stringer on their depth chart.

The NFL's handling of similar matters practically guarantees Watson will be banned from playing via the commissioner's exempt list if he's indicted. It seems unlikely he'll take snaps in any exhibition games for Houston this month.

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