Cleveland Browns quarterback Jacoby Brissett will start in the preseason finale against the Chicago Bears on August 27, while Deshaun Watson serves his 11-game suspension.
Brissett will spring to action after remaining idle throughout the preseason, finally being given a chance to play outside of practice. Coach Kevin Stefanski said he was unsure how long Brissett and the other starters would get to play but would give them a chance.
“We want to see what we do in the drives that Jacoby’s in there. If we feel like he needs more time, if we feel like he needs certain plays full speed in the game setting, we’ll do that,” said Stefanski.
“But it’s just a constant communication with the coaches to make sure we get what we need.”
His competitor, Bears coach Matt Eberflus, is planning for their starters to play “up by half.” Stefanski said he was aware of the Bears’ strategy but chose to continue with his plan.
“Yeah, I know what coach Flus is doing. We’re going to do our own thing,” said Stefanski.
He also said that backup quarterbacks Joshua Dobbs and Josh Rosen would see play.
The Browns will have a dress rehearsal for the season opener at Carolina where Brissett and former Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield will face each other on the field. Mayfield was named the starting quarterback for the Carolina Panthers.
Pressure to perform
Watson was punished with a suspension and a $5 million fine after violating the league’s personal conduct policy. He also agreed to undergo counseling and treatment. He was accused of sexual misconduct and harassment by two dozen women during massage therapy sessions while he was with the Houston Texans. The suspension officially begins on August 30.
Stefanski said he was trying to minimize injuries and fatigue among his players while keeping their skills sharp. To that end, he is giving his starters some preseason snaps.
“I don’t know if there’s one correct way to do it. We’ll just do what we think is best. We just felt like Jacoby should get some reps out there, get some snaps out there with the ones in a game setting. But he’s doing a really nice job of getting a ton of reps out here, as well,” said Stefanski.
Any injuries could throw the team out of balance. The fragility of the team put pressure on Brissett and the other team members, forcing them to be cautious during practice. An incident happened during a Thursday practice session where Brissett made contact with a defender during a throw.
“I was seeing red for a minute there,” said Stefanski.
Stefanski yelled at his defense as the team could not afford any more players out, but luckily, Brissett was unharmed. The team had a rule during practice to not make physical contact with the quarterback to minimize the chances of a player going out with injury.
“That’s a rule. Our guys have done an awesome job all camp of staying away from the quarterback, and we just have to continue to do a good job there,” Stefanski continued.