While it was a disappointing day for the Cleveland Browns overall, there was one player who lived up to his expectations. Rookie wide receiver KC Concepcion contributed in multiple ways, and he scored the only touchdown for the Browns in a 34-10 loss to the Chicago Bears in the preseason opener on Saturday.
It did not take long for the first-round pick from the 2026 NFL Draft to make an impact. In the first quarter, his long punt return set up a Cleveland field goal, and his pass reception led to his second-quarter touchdown run, making him a huge contributor to the Browns’ only points.
With just six touches, it became clear that Concepcion’s future looks bright, as he can change the game in an instant.
“Life is so much easier in the red zone when you have playmakers. First NFL TD for KC Concepcion,” Daniel Oyefusi posted.
Life is so much easier in the red zone when you have playmakers.
First NFL TD for KC Concepcion. https://t.co/ZLSitwiNuI pic.twitter.com/wZB7c3Y7Z0
— Daniel Oyefusi (@DanielOyefusi) August 15, 2026
Concepcion finished with 72 all-purpose yards. He had 27 receiving yards on three catches, 14 rushing yards on one carry, and 31 yards on his only punt return.
The Browns defense held the Bears to a three-and-out on their first series, and Concepcion returned the punt by Tory Taylor to the Cleveland 43-yard line. With Deshaun Watson completing four straight passes, the Browns were able to overcome a tripping penalty and take advantage of the field position to get a 50-yard field goal from Andre Szmyt for a 3-0 lead.
Then, on the first possession of the second quarter, Concepcion caught a nine-yard pass from Watson that led to a short fourth-down conversion. He then caught an 11-yard pass on third-and-3 to put the ball on Chicago’s 14-yard line.
From there, he took a forward handoff on a fly sweep and headed toward the pylon, reaching for it as he fell out of bounds. His touchdown was confirmed after the necessary review.
Concepcion averaged 12.0 per touch in his first NFL appearance. By comparison, fellow rookie wide receiver Denzel Boston, who has generated much more hype as a second-round pick, made just one reception for 15 yards with two targets.
It was just one half of one game, but Concepcion looks like he will be a real weapon for the Browns, both on offense and special teams.
NEXT: Deshaun Watson Has Impressive Preseason Performance On Saturday
