Deshaun Watson has spent most of the past two years on the sideline. This week, theCleveland Browns quarterback was back on the practice field in Berea, working through mandatory minicamp alongside a rookie class the team is counting on to change its offense.
Watson missed the entire 2025 season after tearing his Achilles tendon in October 2024. The injury required a second surgery after a setback during his recovery process. He is now fully healthy and competing for the starting job heading into training camp, which opens in mid-July.
Oct 20, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) runs from Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins (98) during the first half at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
Watson spoke about the team’s young players following a practice session at minicamp, which ran from June 9 through June 11.Watson praised the young players after practice,saying: “They are all doing a heck of a job in staying present. They are going out there playing fast and free. That’s what you love to see.”
Two of the rookies drawing attention are wide receiversKC Concepcion and Denzel Boston. Concepcion was selected 24th overall out of Texas A&M, and Boston followed at pick 39 out of Washington. The Browns’ offense ranked 31st in scoring in 2025, and the team is counting on the new receivers to provide an immediate boost.
Boston in particular has stood out through the spring. Cleveland.com insider Mary Kay Cabotnamed him a standout of minicamp, saying he catches nearly everything thrown his way. New head coach Todd Monken has made clear the receiving corps was a primary offseason focus alongside the offensive line.
Watson is locked in a tight quarterback competition with Shedeur Sanders, who started seven games as a rookie in 2025. Per CBS Sports, Sanders completed 57 percent of his passes with seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions in 2025, while Watson has looked sharp but unproven across a long layoff. Head coach Todd Monken has not named a starter and indicated that the competition will continue well into training camp.
Browns Still Undecided About Deshaun Watson as QB1
Watson and Shedeur Sanders split first-team reps on the final day of minicamp. The two practiced separately during portions of the week, with each working against the second unit before rotating back.
Monken said earlier that he remained undecided on a starter, adding, “I’m just not. Every day I kind of lean one way or the other.”
At an earlier OTA session, Watson completed 11 of 17 passes across 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 drills, going six touchdowns to one interception in one two-hour stretch. Sanders threw one touchdown and one interception in the same window, completing 8 of 14 attempts. Undrafted free agent Michael Coats Jr. intercepted Watson during a separate 7-on-7 session earlier in the week.
The Browns now move into a few weeks off before training camp opens in Berea in mid-July.
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