CLEVELAND — Deshaun Watson made his first NFL appearance since suffering two Achilles tears in 2024 and early 2025, completing 11 of 15 passes for 126 yards in the Cleveland Browns' preseason opener against the Chicago Bears on Saturday. The performance marked Watson's return to game action and provided an early data point in the Browns' quarterback competition.
Watson outplayed Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel during the game, which the Browns lost 34-10. Watson did not throw a touchdown but avoided major mistakes, while Sanders and Gabriel combined for an interception, a lost fumble, and a passer rating of 54.5 or lower. Watson's passer rating for the game was 98.2.
The Browns' coaching staff has indicated that Watson and Sanders will alternate starts in the preseason, with Sanders scheduled to take the first snap next week against the Buffalo Bills in Cleveland. Watson's outing did not immediately secure a starting role but demonstrated his readiness to compete for the position.
Watson's return to the field follows a prolonged recovery from two separate Achilles injuries. He entered the game in the first half and played one series before Sanders took over for the second half. Watson's performance included a fumble in the second quarter, though he recovered it. He was sacked once and completed 10 of his first 11 passes before the turnover.
Shedeur Sanders, the Browns' second-year quarterback, entered the game in the second half and completed 6 of 11 passes for 79 yards, with an interception and a lost fumble. Sanders' passer rating was 40.0, the lowest among the Browns' quarterbacks. Dillon Gabriel, the team's third-string quarterback, played briefly in the fourth quarter and did not record a pass attempt.
Cleveland head coach Todd Monken praised Watson's effort and return to the field. "For him to come back and work like he did is an unbelievable credit to him," Monken said. "And then to go out there; he was having fun today. And that is so cool." Monken did not commit to a starting quarterback for the regular season, emphasizing that both Watson and Sanders would continue to receive opportunities.
The Browns' offensive performance was limited overall, with the team managing just 10 points in the game. First-round rookie receiver KC Concepcion stood out, catching three passes for 27 yards and a rushing touchdown, while second-year running back Dylan Sampson led the team in receiving with two catches. Chicago's offense, led by a strong performance from their quarterback group, contributed to the lopsided score.
The preseason game served as an early evaluation for multiple positions, but the quarterback competition between Watson and Sanders remained the central storyline. Watson's return to action provided a tangible update on his recovery, while Sanders and Gabriel's struggles added context to the ongoing battle for playing time.