Deshaun Watson endured a difficult night in his return to Huntington Bank Field. The Cleveland Browns quarterback was met with loud boos during his team's 31-7 loss to the Buffalo Bills and later described the reaction as disrespectful.
The game was particularly significant because it was Watson's first home appearance since he suffered a torn right Achilles tendon in October 2024. His return to the stadium ended with a difficult performance and another indication of the strained relationship between the quarterback and parts of the Cleveland fan base.
Watson was booed during the game
Watson entered the game in the second half and played four offensive drives. He completed 5 of 12 passes for 36 yards and threw an interception in the loss to Buffalo.
The boos were particularly loud when Watson entered the field to begin the second half and as Cleveland's offense struggled to move the ball.
After the game, Watson said that, from his perspective, the boos were not solely connected to his performance on the field. The quarterback said he believed the reaction had a personal component.
Watson's return comes after another long recovery
Watson had not played at home since suffering his Achilles injury in 2024. He later injured the same tendon again and required a second surgery in January 2025, keeping him out for the entire 2025 season.
His return to Cleveland had generated interest because the quarterback is attempting to regain his form after several years marked by injuries, suspension and performances below expectations.
Since joining the Browns, Watson has appeared in only 19 games because of various physical issues and the suspension he served at the beginning of his Cleveland tenure.
The competition with Shedeur Sanders remains open
Watson's performance against Buffalo also did little to settle the quarterback competition. Watson is competing with Shedeur Sanders, who has shared reps with him throughout training camp.
Sanders had the more productive outing against the Bills. He completed 9 of 11 passes for 74 yards, one touchdown and one interception during five first-half drives.
The second-year quarterback led Cleveland on a 65-yard opening possession and finished the drive with an eight-yard touchdown pass to Luke Floriea.
Sanders completed his first eight attempts before throwing an interception to Damar Hamlin on his ninth pass.
Todd Monken will make a decision soon
Cleveland coach Todd Monken did not immediately announce the starting quarterback. However, before the game he said he expected to make a decision early the following week.
Monken also acknowledged after the game that being booed is not a pleasant experience for a player. His message was that the best way to change the perception is to play well and win games.
The decision will be particularly important because the Browns will open the regular season on the road against the Jacksonville Jaguars and then visit the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before hosting the Carolina Panthers in their home opener.
What does this mean for Deshaun Watson?
Watson's future in Cleveland is once again under scrutiny. The quarterback has an opportunity to change the perception during the final weeks of preparation, but he needs to prove that he can stay healthy and produce consistently.
The coaching staff will have to evaluate both quarterbacks and determine which option gives the team the best chance to succeed. Watson's performance against Buffalo was not enough to end the competition.
The situation also places additional pressure on the veteran, who returned to the stadium after nearly two years away. The fans' reaction shows that his relationship with Cleveland remains complicated.
The next preseason game will provide another important evaluation opportunity. The Browns will host the New England Patriots on Thursday in their final tuneup before the regular season.
Watson can still change the conversation with his performance, but after a night in which he was booed and finished 5-of-12 passing, the Browns' quarterback competition has entered a decisive stage.