Deshaun Watson returns with 'awesome' first half for Browns - ESPN

CHICAGO — The Cleveland Browns dropped their preseason opener to the Chicago Bears on Saturday, but coach Todd Monken was pleased with the play of quarterback Deshaun Watson in his first game since the 2024 season.

Watson, who is competing with Shedeur Sanders to be Cleveland's starting quarterback, started the first preseason game alongside the Browns' projected offense and played the first half. He completed 11 of 15 passes for 126 yards and led two scoring drives, the only points for Cleveland in the 34-10 loss.

«It was awesome,» said Monken, a first-year head coach. «It was so cool to watch him play. I get all of the frustration by fans, himself. But for him to come back and work like he did is an unbelievable credit to him. And then to go out there, he was having fun today. And that is so cool. And I thought he really functioned at a high level. Certainly we don't want to be taking timeouts. We sure as heck can't take delay of games, OK? But it was fun watching him play and watching us put the next step forward and see where we're at.»

The exhibition marked Watson's first game since he tore his right Achilles tendon in October 2024. Watson, who has been limited to 19 games because of suspension and injuries since being traded to the Browns in March 2022, sat out the 2025 season after undergoing a second Achilles surgery in January 2025. The Browns' opening possession was a quick three-and-out after three runs by Quinshon Judkins. On the second series, Watson completed his first four attempts, but his fifth was dropped by tight end Harold Fannin Jr. on a pass that would have resulted in a first down. Cleveland took a 3-0 lead on kicker Andre Szmyt's 50-yard field goal.

Watson led a 10-play, 86-yard scoring drive on