Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson #4 was handed a six-game suspension at the beginning of August that the NFL is currently appealing. Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Unio / USA TODAY NETWORK

Report: Deshaun Watson appeal resolution could come Wednesday or Thursday

By Victor Barbosa | Last updated 8/17/22

It seems like the next stage in the seemingly never-ending Deshaun Watson saga is close to coming to a conclusion, according to multiple reports.

Sources close to the Deshaun Watson situation believe a resolution could come today or tomorrow. Recent talks between NFL and Watson's reps have heightened hope that they can reach a settlement without Peter C. Harvey having to rule, but it's unclear how much longer he will wait.
— Dan Graziano (@DanGrazianoESPN) August 17, 2022

The #NFL has had no conversations with Peter C. Harvey about holding off on his appeal ruling while the two sides continue to negotiate a settlement, I'm told
— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) August 17, 2022

After facing over 20 allegations of sexual misconduct, including allegations of assault, stemming from visits with dozens of massage therapists, Watson sat out the entire 2021 NFL season while still with the Houston Texans. The quarterback was controversially heavily pursued by multiple teams in the offseason and ultimately was traded to the Cleveland Browns, who then signed him to a five-year, $230 million contract.

Watson was handed a six-game suspension at the beginning of August for violating the league's personal conduct policy, a ruling that the NFL is currently appealing. The suspension does not include preseason games, so the three-time Pro Bowler saw time in the Browns' preseason-opener last week, going just 1-for-5 for seven passing yards.

Prior to the preseason tilt, for the first time since the allegations surfaced, Watson publicly apologized to the women he "impacted" from the "situation." It was then reported on Monday that it was "very possible" that a settlement could be coming following the 26-year-old's expressed remorse.

Cleveland's next preseason game is slated to take place at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday against the Philadelphia Eagles.

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