Deshaun Watson records 126 passing yards in Browns' preseason debut
Deshaun Watson completed 11 of 15 passes for 126 yards in the first half of the Browns' preseason game against the Bears, while the team also saw contributions from several rookies.
Deshaun Watson started for the Cleveland Browns in the first preseason game of the 2026 season, playing the entire first half against the Chicago Bears. He completed 11 of 15 attempts for 126 yards, including a 43-yard screen to Dylan Sampson, and was involved in a field goal and a touchdown drive. Watson was also strip-sacked on a fourth-and-2 play early in the second quarter.
Head coach Todd Monken said the team would seek opportunities for two-minute drills, a chance that arose when rookie cornerback Michael Coats intercepted Tyson Bagent. However, the Browns failed to capitalize, as Watson threw two incompletions on the following possession.
Rookie first-round receiver KC Concepcion contributed on special teams with a 28-yard punt return, caught three passes for 27 yards, and scored on a 14-yard end-around touchdown. Fellow rookie Denzel Boston added a 15-yard reception. Quarterback Shedeur Sanders is scheduled to play the third quarter and start the next preseason game against Buffalo.