With rookies and quarterbacks reporting to training camp for the Cleveland Browns, QB Deshaun Watson looks to take his next step as a member of the team. At the same time, Watson, the Browns, the NFL and everyone else connected to the league awaits a decision by Judge Sue Robinson.
Robinson accepted briefing papers from both the NFL and NFLPA on July 12th, almost two weeks after the conclusion of Watson’s disciplinary hearing.
While many have assumed that a “Friday news dump” would bring word of Robinson’s decision, either on the 15th or 22nd of this month, those days have come and gone. With Cleveland’s training camp opening on Wednesday, it is possible that a ruling will not come prior to that.
Watson and the Browns will be in an interesting situation if camp starts without a ruling. While the team may be preparing as if they won’t have their starter for the first eight games, no discipline is still a potential outcome. How head coach Kevin Stefanski decides to split first-team reps between Watson and Jacoby Brissett, the assumed starter during a suspension, will be closely watched.
For now, Watson has reported to training camp and Robinson is still reviewing the case. Perhaps that ends early next week but the judge is not required to make a decision prior to Wednesday.