Deshaun Watson Returns to Action with Browns, Ends 22-Month Hiatus
Deshaun Watson took the field for the Cleveland Browns in a preseason game for the first time in 22 months, ending a long-awaited return to action.
Watson last played in a game on Oct. 20, 2024, when he tore his Achilles tendon. The 10-year veteran made his comeback in a 34-10 preseason loss to the Chicago Bears on Aug. 15. He was 11-of-15 for 126 yards, with a fumble and a 98.2 passer rating.
Watson is currently in a camp battle with Shedeur Sanders, who is scheduled to start Cleveland's next preseason game against the Buffalo Bills on Aug. 22. In the Bears game, Watson played the second quarter and was 8-of-9 for 102 yards before things became more harried. He completed just one of his final four passes for nine yards.
Coach Todd Monken said he wanted to see how comfortable Watson was leading up to the game and how he was enjoying himself. Monken helped Watson ease into the game, starting with three Quinshon Judkins runs before Watson scrambled on a drop-back. Watson then settled into a series of easy completions that moved the ball down the field.
Watson said getting completions was key for a quarterback, especially in the first game of the season. "Seeing the ball get to the receiver's hands and they catching it and getting positive yards and moving down the field. So it was good," he said.
The Browns got the ball with 1:52 remaining in the half at their own 38, but Watson had to scramble once and threw two incompletions. He said there were things to work on, such as getting in and out of the huddle and seeing the play clock, down, and distances.
Sanders, who started the third quarter, dealt with a similar situation, completing just two of his final six passes over the next drive-and-a-half. He said it felt like another day at practice, but he was able to unlock another point of view and see things a little differently.
The Browns will hold a joint practice with the Bills on Aug. 20, where Watson and Sanders will split the No. 1 reps. Watson and Sanders will also split the starting role in the next preseason game, with Watson playing the third quarter.
The Browns will continue to battle for the starting quarterback spot in the upcoming weeks, with Watson and Sanders vying for the position. The team's next preseason game is against the Buffalo Bills on Aug. 22.
Source: Yahoo Sports