The Cleveland Browns pulled off a second straight close win in the 2026 NFL season, this time beating the Carolina Panthers 21-18 in the home opener. It was a win which required a game-winning drive that ended with under two minutes to go. Quarterback Deshaun Watson connected with tight end Harold Fannin Jr. on a 14-yard touchdown pass to give Cleveland a 21-18 lead, capping a clutch fourth-quarter sequence that had its share of drama beyond the scoreboard.

Deshaun Watson’s injury scare in fourth quarter

Watson took a hit up high during the fourth and was knocked to the ground, where he briefly stayed before walking off the field. Shedeur Sanders came in for one play and threw a single pass while Watson was being evaluated on the sideline. Initial thought looked like it could have been a head injury, but Watson set the record straight after the game.

“I just lost my breath,” Watson said. “I guess they thought it was my head. I just lost my breath. I was trying to get up and I asked the guys if there was a flag. I just didn’t grab their hand, I was just trying to catch my breath, honestly.”

The Panthers were flagged for roughing the passer on the play, a penalty that helped the Browns keep the drive alive. Having Sanders come in cold without any game reps to that point would have put the rookie in a tough spot during crunch time. Watson losing his breath rather than suffering a head injury is the best-case scenario coming out of what was a genuine scare for fans and everyone in the stadium.

Watson’s injury history made the brief moment even more tense

The concern was understandable given Watson’s history with the Browns. He has never played in more than seven games for Cleveland despite being with the organization since 2022, with injuries being the primary reason. That hit left pause for a moment because of everything he has gone through in the past injury wise.

Watson is fine, though, and he played well when it mattered. He finished the day 16-of-30 passing for 144 yards and two touchdown passes. Those numbers don’t jump off the screen, but he got going late in the fourth quarter and added 45 rushing yards on the ground. The Browns offense was able to edge out enough points in crunch time to take the game.

Watson and the Browns now turn their attention to an early-season AFC North showdown. Cleveland hosts the Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday Night Football, and Watson will be fully healthy for the game.