Deshaun Watson prepares to start for Browns in season opener

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 9, 2026, 9:25 PM

Last updated Sep 9, 2026

Deshaun Watson prepares to start for Browns in season opener

Summary

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson is set to start in the team’s season opener this Sunday. This marks his return to the field for the first time since October 2024, when he initially suffered a right Achilles tear against the Cincinnati Bengals. Watson, 30, missed the entirety of the 2025 season following a second surgery on the same Achilles in January 2025. Over the past five seasons, injury and suspension have limited the quarterback to 19 total appearances. Currently playing in the final year of a five-year, $230 million contract, Watson stated he is focused on his performance in the immediate upcoming game rather than his long-term future in the league.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

Status Watch

•Deshaun Watson starts at quarterback for the Browns on Sunday.
•He has not played in an NFL game since October 2024.
•The quarterback missed the entire 2025 season due to a second Achilles surgery.
•Watson is playing the final year of his current contract.
•He has appeared in 19 games over the past five seasons.

Latest Updates

9:25 PMYahoo Sports — Deshaun Watson relishes "opportunity" to prove he can still play

What they're saying

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Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson has not played since an Oct. 7, 2024, game against the Bengals when he initially tore his right Achilles.
— Yahoo Sports

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