NFL News & Analysis

August 1 Training Camp Notes: Cleveland Browns QB Deshaun Watson's suspension, Dallas Cowboys WR James Washington's potentially serious injury and more

Berea, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) during training camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

Cleveland Browns QB Deshaun Watson suspended for six games

  • The ruling was made by retired federal judge Sue L. Robinson, who was jointly approved by the NFL and NFLPA. No fine was issued as part of Robinson’s ruling.
  • This ruling is not necessarily final. The NFL and the NFLPA have appeal power and Roger Goodell (or his designee) would be the appeals officer.
  • The NFLPA said on Sunday Night they won’t appeal the ruling. The NFL will have until 9 a.m. EST on Thursday to decide if it wants to appeal. The NFL argued to  Sue L. Robinson that Watson should be suspended for a full season. Robinson’s ruling falls considerably below that.
  • If the NFL were to appeal and add games, the NFLPA could then look to sue the league in court. In that scenario, this situation would likely stretch into the season (like it did with Tom Brady and Ezekiel Elliott, which would allow Watson to start the season on the field. The NFL would have the Watson situation overshadowing kickoff week and beyond – which is something it likely doesn’t want.
  • The Browns play the Carolina Panthers, New York Jets, Pittsburgh Steelers, Atlanta Falcons, Los Angeles Chargers and New England Patriots in their first six games of the season. Jacoby Brissett would be the Browns' starting quarterback if Watson is indeed out. 

Dallas Cowboys WR James Washington suffers potentially serious foot injury

  • Washington had to be carted off the field and the team fears he suffered a Jones fracture, according to ESPN. Owner Jerry Jones told reporters after practice that the team is “concerned” with the injury.
  • Washington signed a one-year deal with the Cowboys this offseason after four years in Pittsburgh.
  • Dallas traded away Amari Cooper and lost Cedrick Wilson in free agency this offseason, so Washington had a great opportunity for early-season playing time across from CeeDee Lamb. Michael Gallup is also recovering from a torn ACL and said last week he won’t be ready for the start of the regular season.
  • In four years with the Steelers, Washington played in 60 regular season games and caught 114 passes for 1,629 yards and 11 touchdowns. His best season came in 2019 when he earned a 69.3 PFF grade.

Pittsburgh Steelers sign K Chris Boswell to extension

  • It’s a four-year, $20 million extension that includes $12.5 million in guarantees.
  • The deal matches Justin Tucker‘s contract for the highest average annual salary among kickers.
  • Boswell has made 182 of 206 field goal attempts (88.3%) and 231 of 245 extra points (94.3%) since signing with the Steelers as a free agent in 2015.

Los Angeles Rams WR Van Jefferson to undergo knee surgery

  • Head coach Sean McVay called it a “minor cleanup,” but Jefferson will be sidelined for a few weeks, and his Week 1 status is currently up in the air.
  • The third-year receiver took a step forward statistically in 2021, totaling 50 catches for 802 yards and six touchdowns last season compared to 19 receptions for 220 yards and one touchdown as a rookie in 2020. He earned a 61.6 receiving grade.
  • The Rams made some moves with their wide receiver room this offseason, trading away Robert Woods and signing Allen Robinson. They still have interest in bringing back Odell Beckham Jr., who is recovering from a torn ACL.

Arizona Cardinals QB Kyler Murray tests positive for COVID

  • According to the team, Murray has “mild symptoms.”
  • There are no longer any COVID protocols or COVID lists in the NFL, so Murray had to self-report his positive test.
  • Moving forward, anyone who tests positive must isolate for at least five days.
  • Murray has been through a lot over the last week, signing a mega $230.5 million extension but getting some heat after the team included a controversial “independent study” clause as part of the deal. The clause was removed a couple of days later.

Chicago Bears have had trade talks involving OT Teven Jenkins

  • The Bears traded up to select Jenkins 39th overall in last year’s draft, but that was done under an old regime led by general manager Ryan Pace.
  • Jenkins missed a large portion of last season after undergoing back surgery during training camp, but he returned to start a couple of games. Overall, he earned a 47.5 overall grade.
  • It’s worth noting that Jenkins has missed three straight practices since the start of training camp last week and head coach Matt Eberflus said he’s “working through something.”
  • Back in the spring, 2022 fifth-round pick Braxton Jones was playing ahead of Jenkins. The Bears also recently signed veteran OT Riley Reiff
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