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By : Raam Dhakad
Wednesday marked another important checkpoint for Deshaun Watson as he gets closer to his 2022 debut.
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The Browns quarterback took part in his first practice with the team on Wednesday. Watson's suspension banned his involvement with the team until his reinstatement later in the season.
The last milestone came in October, when he was allowed to resume some activities, including meetings and individual workouts, for the first time.
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By receiving clearance to take the field in August meeting all necessary criteria from a suspension agreed upon by the NFL and NFLPA, Watson remains on track.
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That deal included an 11-game ban, a $5M fine, and mandatory counseling. He is in line to make his debut in Week 13 in Cleveland against his previous team, the Texans.
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The Browns brought in Jacoby Brissett to serve as a bridge starter between the start of the campaign and Watson's return.
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The veteran put up moderate numbers – a 63.8% completion percentage, 8:5 touchdown-to-interception ratio and a passer rating of 87.1.
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It essentially fell in line with expectations entering the season, which had the Browns always ready to lean heavily on their ground game.
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The Browns face a balancing act in managing each QB's workload during practice.
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Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer, along with NFL Network's James Palmer, note that Watson received few first-team reps in an effort to get him used.
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Preparation will be crucial for the 27-year-old given his year-long stint with the Texans last year, not to mention the Browns' five-year, $230 million commitment.
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Which is pretty much guaranteed, despite the sexual misconduct and sexual assault allegations that made him the league's biggest off-season story.
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As he likely takes on a bigger workload in the coming days and weeks, Brown will remain in contention until he makes his first regular season appearance.
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