Cleveland Browns' Jacoby Brissett 'ready to go' as starter after Deshaun Watson suspension

BEREA, Ohio — Jacoby Brissett said his past experiences as a backup quarterback have prepared him for the situation in Cleveland, where he's in line take over for suspended Cleveland Browns starter Deshaun Watson.

«It's been my situation throughout my career,» Brissett said Tuesday. «Nothing that I'm unfamiliar with. Always been ready to go, whenever my number's called and that's the case at this point now.»

On Monday, disciplinary officer Sue L. Robinson suspended Watson for six games for violating the league's personal conduct policy following accusations of sexual misconduct. The NFL Players Association and the league have until 9 a.m. ET Thursday to file a written appeal of Robinson's ruling.

In a statement Sunday night, the union made it clear that it will «stand by» her decision and urged the NFL to do the same. The league, in a statement Monday, said it was determining its next steps.

Last week, coach Kevin Stefanski reiterated that Brissett, whom the Browns signed to a one-year deal during the offseason, would become Cleveland's starter should Watson face a suspension.

Brissett has filled in at starting quarterback under unusual circumstances early in the season.

As a rookie for the New England Patriots in 2016, he had to step in after Tom Brady was suspended for «Deflategate» and Jimmy Garoppolo suffered a shoulder injury. Just before the start of the 2019 season, Brissett became the starter for the Indianapolis Colts following Andrew Luck's surprise retirement. Then last year, Brissett replaced injured starter Tua Tagovailoa in Week 2 for the Miami Dolphins.

Despite being a backup for much of his career, Brissett has 37 starts with a record of 14-23.

«Since I've been in this league, it's been the next man up,»