Deshaun Watson was back on the field Saturday, his first game action of any kind since October 20, 2024. That’s a long time out for anyone, let alone a quarterback competing for a starting job. He went 11-of-15 for 126 yards for the Browns, even with losing a fumble in the first half.
The Long Road Back to the Huddle
Browns coach Todd Monken called Watson’s return “cool” and “awesome,” and you can see why the guy was stoked. Watson has barely played since the Browns acquired him in a 2022 offseason trade with the Texans, racking up just 19 games. Think about that: nineteen games since a 2022 offseason trade. It’s been a brutal stretch: an 11-game suspension in 2022, season-ending shoulder surgery in 2023, and then tearing his Achilles twice, which kept him sidelined for 10 games in 2024 and *all* of 2025. This dude has been through it.
‘I Don’t Doubt Myself’ and the Starting Job
Even after all that, Watson himself is absolutely unwavering. “I don’t doubt myself in any way,” he said, which frankly, might make him the only person who hasn’t. He also added, “That’s why I’ve worked hard these last two years to get back to that. I had some challenges with injuries and a suspension. Now being able to get a full” The quote got cut off there, but the message is clear. He’s battling Shedeur Sanders for the starting gig, and Watson’s performance, which saw the Browns put up 10 points while he was in, *may* have just won him that job. He knows it’s a grind, too. “Every opportunity I get, I want to continue to improve and take one step forward. Every day will be a challenge, but that’s the whole thing about the NFL. It’s a business, and every day is a challenge,” Watson said.
The season is kicking off soon, and Watson’s comeback is going to be one to watch. Will he stay healthy? Can he lead that offense? That’s the challenge ahead for Watson, day in and day out, in a league that’s always a business.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pro Football Talk.
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