In Berea, Ohio, Cleveland Browns rookie wide receiver KC Concepcion entered his first NFL training camp with confidence, and his performance against the Chicago Bears on Saturday reinforced that optimism. The Browns fell 34-10, but Concepcion contributed in several ways that suggest he could become a valuable weapon for the team this season.
Stat line and key plays
Concepcion saw 25 offensive snaps, was targeted four times by quarterback Deshaun Watson, and finished with three receptions for 27 yards. His most notable catch was an 11‑yard out route on third‑and‑3 that moved the ball to the Bears’ 14‑yard line.
On the very next play, Concepcion took a handoff on a jet sweep around the right end and sprinted 14 yards for the Browns’ lone touchdown. He maintained his balance after Bears defensive back Dontae Manning attempted a tackle near the sideline and powered through linebacker Ruben Hyppolite II before reaching the right front pylon.
Special teams contribution
Beyond offense, Concepcion returned a punt from the Browns’ 12‑yard line, finding a large opening down the right sideline before being tripped by Chicago’s Hayden Large. The return ended at the 43‑yard line after a 31‑yard gain. Head coach Todd Monken considered pulling Concepcion from punt‑return duties for the game, but decided the road experience was valuable ahead of the Browns’ season opener in Jacksonville on September 13.
Last season at Texas A&M, Concepcion returned two punts for touchdowns. He set a personal goal of three or more punt‑return touchdowns in his rookie NFL season, a mark not achieved since Arizona’s Patrick Peterson in 2011.
Coaches’ perspective
Coach Monken praised Concepcion’s explosiveness, contact balance and football IQ, saying, “That dude is explosive. He’s tough, he’s got great contact balance. He understands situational football.” Monken emphasized the intent to involve Concepcion in a variety of plays—screens, shallow routes, down‑field routes, as well as punt and kick returns—to maximize his skill set.
Concepcion echoed the coach’s sentiment, stating, “I’m always confident. No matter if it’s in practice, the preseason or regular season, I stay level‑headed and confident in what I can do on the field.” He added that any opportunity to catch the ball, regardless of the route or situation, makes him happy.
Looking ahead
The Browns will face their biggest preseason test Thursday in a joint practice with the Buffalo Bills, followed by a Saturday game against the Bills. Those sessions will likely be the last chance for starters and rookies alike to fine‑tune their speed and timing before the regular season begins.
Concepcion’s performance, combined with the coaching staff’s commitment to using his versatility, positions him as a promising addition to Cleveland’s offense and special‑teams units. If he reaches his three‑touchdown goal, he could join an elite group of rookie return specialists and provide the Browns with a dynamic playmaker as they aim for a stronger showing in the 2026 season.
Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.
