Browns QB Deshaun Watson got very honest with reporters after his first NFL action in nearly two years against the Bears
Saturday’s preseason loss to the Chicago Bears was Cleveland Browns QB Deshaun Watson’s first NFL action in about 22 months. The veteran quarterback got honest about his return after the game.
The Cleveland Browns returned to action with their 2026 preseason opener on Saturday against the Chicago Bears, falling 34-10 in a game where Cleveland led early before allowing 34 straight points. The Browns’ depth was clearly behind what Chicago had out there, but much of the focus centered on the starting quarterback battle between Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders.
Deshaun Watson’s first live action in 22 months was against the Bears
Saturday marked a significant step for Watson, who was playing in his first game in 22 months. Watson suffered an Achilles injury during the 2024 season that he later reinjured after the first surgery, which called for a second surgery, and he spent all of the 2025 season on the sideline working his way back to the football field.
Watson is entering a contract year, as he is in his fifth and final year of the fully guaranteed contract the Browns gave him when they traded for him from the Houston Texans. Watson started the game 8-of-9 passing against the Bears and finished 11-of-15 for 126 yards. He was sacked once and did have one fumble lost.
Watson’s biggest play of the day was a 43-yard catch and run to second-year running back Dylan Sampson. It was a short pass where Sampson did the majority of the work with great burst for 43 yards, and it was the best play of the day for the offense overall.
Watson slightly outplayed Sanders, who was 6-of-11 for 79 yards and one interception. Dillon Gabriel was 5-of-8 for 23 yards with one pick.
Watson said after the game that his first return to action felt like a positive step.
“I had fun with the guys, enjoying myself, smiling, getting hit a little bit, going through certain situations, talking with coach on the headset,” Watson said. “Everything was good to be back out there.”
The biggest development of the game for Watson was connecting with rookie wide receivers KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston on plays. Concepcion caught three passes for 27 yards, and added a rushing touchdown. Boston caught one pass for 15 yards. The connection with both rookie will be key for the Browns’ starting offense in 2026. Getting Watson reps with his new pass catchers in live action matters, and Saturday provided an early glimpse of what that could look like.
The Browns’ starting quarterback battle will continue into next week, which will be an important stretch for Cleveland. The Buffalo Bills are set to come to town for joint practices, including a preseason game on Saturday that will mark the second of three preseason contests. By the end of that second preseason game, it wouldn’t be a surprise if the Browns have a clear picture of who their starting quarterback is going to be.
