The Cleveland Browns announced that controversial QB Deshaun Watson will start Friday's preseason opener vs. the Jacksonville Jaguars, per Ian Rapoport. Watson was recently suspended for 6 regular season games, but the NFL is in the process of pushing for a longer punishment.

As aforementioned, the league is pushing for a lengthier suspension. But regardless, Cleveland's decision to start Deshaun Watson is fairly surprising. The QB isn't expected to be active for a minimum of 6 games even if the NFL's appeal falls through. New Jersey Attorney General Peter C. Harvey was appointed by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell to oversee the appeal. According to Pro Football Network, he is expected to issue a far more strict suspension.

“I know they’re going for the full year, but I could see Harvey doubling the suspension to 12 games and going for the $8 million fine or more and the requirement of treatment,” one source said. “It really falls in line with Harvey’s background, with wanting to continue to be associated with the NFL and the public outcry against Watson.”

Article Continues Below
More Cleveland Browns News
Featured image Deion Sanders Shedeur Sanders
Deion Sanders ‘hurt’ by negative Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders’ draft perceptionDylan Fine ·
Browns coach Kevin Stefanski (center), Browns lineman Zak Zinter (left) and Pittsburgh safety Donovan McMillon (right)
3 Cleveland Browns hidden gems on 2025 roster you need to knowJaren Kawada ·
Cleveland Browns offensive tackle Jedrick Wills Jr. (71) against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field.
Former Browns first-round OL makes big decision on 2025 campaignDouglas Fritz ·
Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) listens to the play calling on the sideline during an NFL practice at the Cleveland Browns training facility on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, in Berea, Ohio.
Colorado football coach Deion Sanders blasts negative pre-draft rumors around Shedeur SandersPreston Byers ·
Cleveland Browns quarterback Kenny Pickett gestures to rookie Shedeur Sanders during an NFL practice at the Cleveland Browns training facility on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, in Berea, Ohio.
Browns rumors: This Cleveland QB predicted to be traded before training camp, per NFL insiderZachary Weinberger ·
Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) throws a pass during rookie minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Shedeur Sanders gets ‘elite’ evaluation from Browns reporterRichard Pereira ·

With all of that being said, it makes Cleveland's decision to start Deshaun Watson even more curious. However, the Browns have shown that they are standing with Watson despite his previous sexual assault allegations.

The Browns will take on the Jaguars on Friday in Jacksonville. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM EST at TIAA Bank Field. Browns fans were already excited to watch Cleveland's preseason opener. But with this breaking Deshaun Watson news, the whole NFL world will be tuning into this contest.