Browns vs. Bills joint practice takeaways: Cleveland gets injury scare they can’t afford, Deshaun Watson update is a good one, and rookie shines for first time
The Cleveland Browns have completed a joint practice with the Buffalo Bills. There is a couple of injury updates to go over, as well as what Deshaun Watson was able to do.
Thursday was an important day at Cleveland Browns training camp with the joint practice against the Buffalo Bills. It was a one-day session, so the emphasis fell heavily on the starters ahead of Saturday’s preseason game at home against Buffalo.
There were a few key takeaways from the practice against a Bills team in a much different position than Cleveland heading into the 2026 NFL season. Buffalo has high expectations to compete for a Super Bowl with franchise quarterback Josh Allen, while the Browns are in a bit of a rebuild and hope to be in that spot in a couple of years.
Alex Wright’s injury a major scare for Cleveland?
The first thing that jumped out Thursday was the Browns losing defensive end Alex Wright early during practice to what appeared to be some kind of leg or ankle injury. He left the field riding inside on a cart, did not return, and an update is expected at some point later.
Wright is a player Cleveland cannot afford to lose. The Browns have been after pass rusher help and have been turned down by both Za’Darius Smith and Jadeveon Clowney. A team that already needs edge depth beyond Jared Verse and Wright losing him for any stretch would be a significant blow. You have to hope it’s minor and that he could return rather soon.
Deshaun Watson pushes the ball downfield, connects with KC Concepcion
Quarterback Deshaun Watson and rookie wide receiver KC Concepcion had a noticeable connection against the Bills with two deep passes. One went down the middle of the field, and the other came on a play where Concepcion ran across the deep middle with room to run after the catch.
Watson had an up-and-down day overall, including an interception to Bills defensive back Jordan Hancock. Still, we saw Watson push the ball down the field more than he really has at any point this training camp or preseason, and that’s a good sign of where he stands and his comfort level doing so.
Watson got to start with the ones on Thursday, even though both he and Shedeur Sanders took reps with the first-team offense. It was notable that Watson got the first run with the ones, and at this point he leads the quarterback race until proven otherwise.
Taylen Green flashes upside with limited reps
Thursday was also a good look at sixth-round pick quarterback Taylen Green, who hasn’t had much opportunity this training camp because of limited reps. The Browns need to get both Sanders and Watson all the reps they can in the starting quarterback battle, which has squeezed Green’s development time.
Green had a touchdown pass to wide receiver Taylen Wallace, who jumped up and made a leaping catch. Green also scored on a rushing touchdown, and you can see what has the Browns enticed about what he could become with some development. We’re not going to get to see Green much until the third preseason game, but it should be exciting when we do.
