Deshaun Watson’s Return Highlights Challenges for Browns

Deshaun Watson will return to regular season play for the Cleveland Browns facing the Jacksonville Jaguars this Sunday in Week 1. Watson will begin the season with two away games; the second game will be against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 2. These games precede a potential home start in Week 3 against the Carolina Panthers. This decision comes in light of Watson’s reaction after facing boos in Cleveland during the preseason.

The Browns’ head coach, Todd Monken, has announced an additional challenge for Watson. Tevon Jenkins, the starting right guard, will miss the Jaguars game due to a back injury. Austin Barber, a third-round draft pick, will take his place. This change means Cleveland will start two rookie linemen. Spencer Fano, selected in the first round, will play at left tackle.

Monken expressed confidence in his rookies, saying, “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.”

Injuries on the offensive line present a test for Watson, who struggled to escape the pocket during his time in Cleveland compared to his performance with the Houston Texans. His Achilles injury emphasizes the importance of a strong offensive line for his effectiveness.

In 2024, Watson managed a record of 1-6 as a starter before the Achilles injury. His completion rate was 63.4%, with 1,148 yards, five touchdowns, and three interceptions.

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