Grand jury reaches decision on Deshaun Watson, criminal charges

WATSON WATCH

Texans Deshaun Watson
Deshaun Watson will not face criminal charges. Composite image by Jack Brame.

According to multiple reports, Houston Texans QB Deshaun Watson has been cleared of criminal charges in Harris County.


Watson still has 22 civil lawsuits pending, but with criminal charges behind him, the trade market for Deshaun Watson should heat up quickly. ProFootballTalk's Mike Florio reported last week that several teams would be interested in Watson, even with the civil cases pending.

The Panthers, Eagles, and Commanders have been rumored to have interest in trading for Watson. The Commanders traded for Colts QB Carson Wentz this week, so they're clearly out at this point. It would almost be impossible to fit both QBs under the salary cap. But the Panthers appear determined to acquire the Texans' Pro Bowl QB. Of course, Watson's no-trade clause could still complicate trade scenarios for the Texans.

This is no doubt a big win for Deshaun Watson, but he could still be punished by the league under the personal conduct policy.

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The Astros beat the Cubs, 2-0. Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images.

Jose Altuve hit a two-run homer and Framber Valdez tossed six shutout innings, and the Houston Astros beat the Chicago Cubs 2-0 on Sunday.

Altuve’s 13th home run of the season broke a scoreless tie in the fifth inning. It was his first extra base hit in 34 at bats and the Astros' only extra base hit of the game.

Valdez (9-4) struck out six while allowing five hits and two walks.

Only one man reached third base against him. He exited with two on and nobody out in the seventh, but Bryan Abreu replaced him and retired Michael Busch, Vidal Bruján and Ian Happ to work out of trouble.

Abreu pitched a 1-2-3 eighth inning. He struck out four of the six men he faced.

Josh Hader retired the side in order in the ninth inning to convert on his franchise record 23rd straight save opportunity to start the season.

Jameson Taillon (7-6) matched zeroes with Valdez until Altuve’s home run on his 107th and final pitch of his outing. He struck out four while giving up five hits and one walk over 4 2/3 innings.

The bullpen trio of Ryan Brasier, Ryan Pressly and Brad Keller held the Astros to two hits over 3 1/3 innings.

Key Moment

Altuve’s fifth inning, two-run homer to break the scoreless tie.

Key Stat

The Astros are unbeaten in their last 11 series, dating back to May 22, going 9-0-2 in that span.

Up Next

The Cubs open a three-game series against the Guardians on Tuesday with LHP Matthew Boyd (7-3 2.65 ERA) against RHP Gavin Williams (5-3 3.68 ERA).

The Astros open a three-game series at the Rockies on Tuesday with LHP Colton Gordon (3-1 3.98 ERA) against RHP Chase Dollander (2-8 6.06 EA).

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