Kevin Stefanski still plans to start Deshaun Watson in Seattle, but gives himself an out

BEREA — The plan remains the plan. Until, that is, the plan changes.

Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski reiterated Tuesday that the plan remains for quarterback Deshaun Watson to start Saturday night's preseason finale at the Seattle Seahawks. However, he also left himself enough wiggle room to change the plan as the week progresses.

"All of our starters should expect to play," Stefanski said. "Then we'll determine who does or doesn't, how many plays they do. Like I told you guys, in particular with Deshaun, I want to take in all the information this week and really make a final determination later in the week."

Stefanski hasn't deviated from that public stance since he first stated that it was the plan a week ago. That's also in line with what has been his approach to the final preseason game each of the previous three seasons.

Could "all the information" he takes in mean Watson doesn't play at all, or plays fewer series than expected?

"I think both," Stefanski said. "I think, like I told you guys, you have a plan but you want to make sure as you get through the week that you feel good about it. So we'll make that determination later."

Watson has not played in a live game of any kind since last Nov. 12, when he led the Browns to a 33-31 comeback win at the Baltimore Ravens. That was the same game in which he sustained a broken glenoid that ultimately needed season-ending surgery.

Stefanski did say Watson's input would come into play on whether or not he plays against Seattle.

"I have a very good relationship with these guys where they should feel comfortable talking through those type of things," Stefanski said. "I think all of our players like playing football, so they enjoy the competition part of this. But we listen to our players and we make decisions."

Stefanski did not think it was necessary for Watson to "take a hit" before the Browns open the regular season Sept. 8 at home against the Dallas Cowboys.

The Browns' current left tackle situation will certainly be part of the information which gets weighed. Injuries have taken a toll on that position as regular starter Jedrick Wills Jr. continues to rehab from a medial collateral ligament injury.

James Hudson III, who's started at left tackle this preseason, will miss Saturday's game with an ankle injury suffered against the Minnesota Vikings. Hakeem Adeniji, another one who has worked at the position and has seven postseason starts in his career with the Cincinnati Bengals, was placed on injured reserve Monday with a knee injury suffered against the Vikings.

Germain Ifedi, who also left the Vikings game with a hand injury, sounds like the most likely option to start at left tackle. The others are Lorenzo Thompson and recently signed Chim Okorafor.

"I think all things factor into every decision for all of our players, truthfully," Stefanski said. "We go player by player, and what we're trying to figure out is what do they need to get ready for a 17-game season. That's really every determination is based specifically on that player."

Watson started two preseason games last year. He played one drive — 12 total plays — while going 3 of 3 for 12 yards while rushing three times for 20 yards against the Washington Commanders in what was the second game that preseason due to the Browns' Hall of Fame Game participation.

During the preseason finale at the Kansas City Chiefs last season, Watson played four first-quarter drives, for a total of 20 plays. He was 5 of 10 for 92 yards and a touchdown, while netting one yard on three carries.

Watson has played in just 12 total games with the Browns since being acquired in the March 18, 2022, trade with the Houston Texans. He lost 11 games in 2022 to his personal conduct suspension in connection with more than two dozen allegations by women of sexual assault and sexual misconduct in massage appointments.

Last season, Watson missed three games in October, while also leaving a fourth late in the first quarter, due to a sprained rotator cuff. He then had the season-ending shoulder surgery on Nov. 21, which limited him to a total of just six starts for the season.

Chris Easterling can be reached at ceasterling@thebeaconjournal.com. Read more about the Browns at www.beaconjournal.com/sports/browns. Follow him on X at @ceasterlingABJ

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Kevin Stefanski still plans to start Deshaun Watson in Seattle, but gives himself an out