Texans QB Deshaun Watson looks fine in starting return

PHOTOS: Texans-Chiefs preseason game Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) warms up before an NFL football game at Arrowhead Stadium on Thursday, Aug. 9, 2018, in Kansas City. Browse through the photos to see action from the Texans' first preseason game on Aug. 9. less PHOTOS: Texans-Chiefs preseason game Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) warms up before an NFL football game at Arrowhead Stadium on Thursday, Aug. 9, 2018, in Kansas City. Browse through the photos ... more Photo: Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle Photo: Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle Image 1 of / 98 Caption Close Texans QB Deshaun Watson looks fine in starting return 1 / 98 Back to Gallery

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- The encouraging return of Texans star quarterback Deshaun Watson became official Thursday night against the Kansas City Chiefs.

In his first game back since tearing his anterior cruciate ligament last season, Watson got the start in a preseason opener at Arrowhead Stadium.

Watson looked fine in his lone series following a lengthy running session for exercise with teammates hours before kickoff.

Watson displayed the same confidence in his surgically repaired right knee that he has shown throughout training camp and the offseason.

The former Clemson consensus All-American and national championship game winner didn't stay on the field long, though.

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He handed the football four times to running back Lamar Miller, who rushed for 29 yards.

Watson completed his only pass: a four-yard throw to wide receiver Bruce Ellington.

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It was a successful, healthy return for the former Clemson star before giving way to backup Brandon Weeden.

For Watson, it was a culmination of months of grueling rehab sessions to strengthen his knee and regain his trademark mobility.

After leading the Texans to the highest-scoring offense in the NFL with a 34.7 points per game average during his six starts, Watson appears primed to pick up where he left off as a rookie.

Watson was on pace to throw for 43 touchdown passes and compete for Pro Bowl and Most Valuable Player honors before he hurt his knee in practice.

Now, Watson is looking for an even more dynamic performance heading into his second NFL season.