Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson called preseason a "great opportunity" to prove doubters wrong after missing nearly two years due to Achilles surgeries. The 30-year-old tore his right Achilles in October 2024 and underwent a second procedure in January 2025 after re tearing the tendon, causing him to miss the entire 2025 season.

Watson has played in only 19 games since being traded to the Browns in March 2022, dealing with both suspensions and injuries. Now healthy, he is competing with Shedeur Sanders for the starting quarterback role. Coach Todd Monken plans to rotate both quarterbacks with the starters during preseason action.

During recent practices, Watson has thrown three interceptions but remained unfazed, stating that preseason allows room for mistakes without consequences. Monken views the turnovers as teachable moments but cautioned against excessive errors.

Sanders, entering his second NFL season, expressed increased comfort and confidence, noting he has figured out his routine and learned more about himself after starting the final seven games of his rookie campaign.