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NFL football today delivered one of the preseason’s most closely watched storylines as Deshaun Watson returned to game action for the Cleveland Browns. Watson played his first game since the 2024 season, showing encouraging flashes during a first half against the Chicago Bears despite Cleveland’s 34-10 defeat on Saturday.
Breaking NFL Football Today News: Watson Impresses in Return
Watson started alongside Cleveland’s projected offensive unit and played the entire first half. The veteran quarterback completed 11 of 15 passes for 126 yards and guided the Browns on two scoring drives, accounting for all 10 of the team’s points.
His sharpest series covered 86 yards over 10 plays. The drive ended with rookie wide receiver KC Concepcion scoring on a 14-yard touchdown run. Earlier, Andre Szmyt connected on a 50-yard field goal to give Cleveland an early lead.
Browns coach Todd Monken praised Watson’s performance, calling it “awesome” and saying it was exciting to watch the quarterback compete again. Monken acknowledged that Cleveland still needs to eliminate procedural mistakes, including timeouts and delay-of-game penalties, but said Watson operated at a high level.
A Powerful Comeback After Major Injury Setbacks
The preseason appearance carried significant meaning for Watson. He tore his right Achilles tendon in October 2024 and missed the 2025 season after undergoing a second Achilles surgery in January 2025. Since joining Cleveland in March 2022, Watson has played only 19 games because of suspension and injuries.
His return was not flawless. Watson was strip-sacked on fourth-and-2 during his fourth possession, giving Chicago the football. His final two drives ended in punts, but the overall performance provided the Browns with valuable evidence about his recovery and current form.
Watson said he does not doubt his ability to play at a high level. He pointed to the work he has put in over the past two years and emphasized that returning to full strength has required patience following multiple challenges.
Explosive Browns Quarterback Competition Takes Shape
The game also offered the latest look at Cleveland’s quarterback battle between Watson and rookie Shedeur Sanders. Sanders entered in the third quarter and played three series into the fourth, finishing with six completions on 11 attempts for 79 yards and one interception.
Sanders opened with two completions that produced significant gains, but an overthrow intended for Malachi Corley was intercepted. The rookie acknowledged that turnovers cannot become a pattern in the NFL, while also trying to focus on the positive aspects of his debut.
Dillon Gabriel played the remainder of the contest. He completed five of eight passes for 23 yards and also threw an interception, meaning Cleveland’s quarterbacks combined for three turnovers.
- Deshaun Watson: 11-of-15 passing, 126 yards
- Shedeur Sanders: 6-of-11 passing, 79 yards, one interception
- Dillon Gabriel: 5-of-8 passing, 23 yards, one interception
- Cleveland scoring: two field-goal and touchdown drives led during Watson’s half
Critical Next Test Comes Against Buffalo
The Browns will host joint practices with the Buffalo Bills on Thursday before meeting Buffalo in their second preseason game next Saturday. Monken said Watson and Sanders will split first-team repetitions during the week.
Sanders is scheduled to start against the Bills and play the first half. Watson is expected to take the third quarter, while Gabriel will handle the fourth. The arrangement gives the coaching staff another opportunity to compare the two leading contenders under controlled but competitive conditions.
Monken said he was pleased with the quarterback play overall, even though the turnovers were not ideal. He also identified the run game, pass protection, and play-action execution as areas that must improve before the regular season.
What NFL Football Today Means for Cleveland
For the Browns, the most important takeaway was not the final score. It was Watson’s ability to take meaningful snaps, move the offense, and show confidence after a lengthy absence. His first-half efficiency could strengthen his case for a major role, but the fumble and Cleveland’s broader offensive issues leave the competition unresolved.
Sanders remains firmly in the conversation, especially with another start coming against Buffalo. The Browns will now evaluate health, consistency, decision-making, and command of the offense as training camp continues.
Bottom line: Watson’s return was encouraging, but Cleveland’s quarterback decision will require more than one preseason performance. The next matchup against the Bills should provide another revealing chapter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Deshaun Watson’s return significant?
It was Watson’s first game since the 2024 season after an Achilles injury, a second surgery, and a missed 2025 campaign.
How did Deshaun Watson perform?
Watson completed 11 of 15 passes for 126 yards and led two scoring drives in the first half.
Who is competing with Watson for the Browns’ starting job?
Watson is competing with rookie Shedeur Sanders, while Dillon Gabriel also remains part of Cleveland’s quarterback group.
When will the Browns play next?
Cleveland will face the Buffalo Bills next Saturday after joint practices with Buffalo on Thursday.
