Watson shows promise in first game since 2024, eyes starting role
Deshaun Watson played his first game in over a year, completing 11 of 15 passes for 126 yards, and may have secured the Browns' starting quarterback position.
Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson appeared in his first game since October 2024, completing 11 of 15 passes for 126 yards while the team scored 10 points during his time on the field. Competing with Shedeur Sanders for the starting job, Watson also lost a fumble in the first half.
Coach Todd Monken praised Watson’s performance, describing it as enjoyable to watch. Watson said his focus is on continual improvement and embracing the daily challenges of the NFL, emphasizing that the league is a business where each day presents a new test.
Since being acquired in a 2022 trade, Watson has participated in 19 games, missing significant time due to an 11-game suspension, shoulder surgery, and two Achilles tears that sidelined him for multiple seasons. Despite those setbacks, he expressed confidence in his ability to play at a high level and noted only minor forearm numbness during the game, which resolved quickly.