Deshaun Watson Set for Regular Season Return with Cleveland Browns

Deshaun Watson is poised to make his regular season comeback as the Cleveland Browns face the Jacksonville Jaguars this Sunday during Week 1. Watson’s initial two games will be on the road, with the Browns taking on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 2. The coaching staff will then have to consider whether he should start at home against the Carolina Panthers in Week 3, after his pre-season experience being booed in Cleveland.

The Browns face additional challenges with Watson’s return, as head coach Todd Monken has disclosed that starting right guard Tevon Jenkins will miss the Jaguars game due to a back injury. Austin Barber, a third-round draft pick, is set to take Jenkins’ place at right guard. The team will field two rookie players on the offensive line. Alongside Barber, first-round pick Spencer Fano will start at left tackle.

Monken expressed confidence in his rookies’ capabilities ahead of the Sunday’s game against Jacksonville. He stated, “Just the way they’ve practiced, just what I’ve seen every day. That’s all you can go by, is what you see every day. And I haven’t seen anything to the contrary that would make me believe that they’re not going to play really, really well and confidently.”

These adjustments in the offensive line may test Watson’s mobility. He has yet to display the same pocket-escape skills in Cleveland that he demonstrated in Houston. Strength in the offensive line is crucial for Watson, particularly as he recovers from his past Achilles injury.

Previously, Watson had a challenging run with Cleveland, starting 1-6 in 2024 before his injury. During that season, he achieved a completion rate of 63.4%, with 1,148 yards, five touchdowns, and three interceptions.

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