Throughout the offseason, Cleveland’s offense took an unconventional path. Watson and fellow quarterback Shedeur Sanders split first-team reps during training camp and the preseason as the team worked through the competition for the starting role. Concepcion and fellow rookie Denzel Boston quickly established themselves as fixtures with the first-team unit, which meant building timing with both signal-callers. Watson wasn’t officially named the starter until late August, adding an extra layer of complexity to their preparations.
Selected with the 24th overall pick, Concepcion earned the Maurice Bassett Award as the Browns’ most outstanding rookie in training camp. He appeared in one preseason game, recording three receptions for 27 yards and a rushing score. Heading into Week 1, Concepcion is projected to play a substantial role in the offense against Jacksonville. His speed and after-the-catch ability give Watson a dynamic option from the slot, while Boston offers a larger target on the outside.
Watson’s return to regular-season action is a milestone for both player and team. He has not played in a regular season game since tearing his Achilles in October 2024 and missed the entire 2025 season due to a setback during recovery. The Browns granted him the opportunity to lead the offense under new head coach Todd Monken, with Watson ultimately winning the starting job over Sanders after evaluating his overall body of work and ability to run the offense on the road.
The path to restoration comes with pressure. Watson’s tenure in Cleveland has been defined by injuries and uneven production since the franchise acquired him in 2022. Now that he’s healthy again, there is an expectation that he can perform at a high level and secure the starting role, while Sanders remains a strong candidate on the depth chart.
Looking ahead, Cleveland is banking on an element of surprise. The offense was overhauled in the offseason, and Monken’s new system remains somewhat untested with this particular group of players. While Jacksonville can prepare by studying Monken’s prior stops, there is limited regular-season film of how this exact personnel group will operate together. That uncertainty should begin to clear once the season starts, making the Week 1 matchup a crucial showcase for the growth Concepcion and Watson have achieved during an unconventional lead-up to the campaign.
In summary, Concepcion’s early impressions of his connection with Watson are positive, and the rookie expects to translate that chemistry to the field against Jacksonville. The opening weeks will reveal whether the timing and relationship they’ve built can produce the efficiency and explosiveness the Browns are hoping to unleash this season.
