Watson to start Browns preseason opener vs Bears

Deshaun Watson will make his return to live game action on Saturday when the Cleveland Browns face the Chicago Bears in their preseason opener, marking his first appearance since suffering a season-ending Achilles tear in October 2024. Head coach Todd Monken confirmed Wednesday that Watson will start and play the first half, while rookie Shedeur Sanders will start the second preseason game against the Buffalo Bills on August 22 as the team's quarterback competition continues.

Watson's start comes after a turbulent tenure with the Browns that has been defined by injuries and off-field issues. The 30-year-old quarterback has not played a game since October 20, 2024, a span of nearly two years. He suffered a torn right Achilles tendon during the 2024 season, then underwent surgery in January 2025 after a re-rupture, causing him to miss the entire 2025 campaign. Before his injuries, Watson was suspended for 11 games by the NFL in 2022 following allegations of sexual assault and misconduct by more than two dozen massage therapists during his time with the Houston Texans. The Browns acquired him in 2022 and signed him to a fully guaranteed $230 million contract.