Browns announce Deshaun Watson will start preseason opener, Shedeur Sanders slated for second game

Deshaun Watson is set to start at quarterback for the Cleveland Browns in their preseason opener on Saturday in Chicago, coach Todd Monken announced after the team’s final full practice of the week. Monken said the plan is for Watson to play the first half, with Shedeur Sanders taking over in the third quarter, and a similar rotation will be used when Sanders starts the next preseason game.

Both quarterbacks have shared reps in practice since the spring, with Watson receiving the majority of first-team repetitions last Saturday. Monken noted that all healthy players are expected to suit up and receive some playing time, while the starting offensive line will likely see limited series.

Watson has not played in a game situation since October 2024 after missing the previous season due to a second right Achilles tendon tear. Monken indicated that Watson’s experience and mobility give him a slight edge, but the competition remains open.

The Browns will hold a joint practice with the Buffalo Bills on Aug. 20 before their next preseason game, though Monken has not detailed how the quarterbacks will be evaluated in that setting. He emphasized that the quarterback battle is still undecided as the team moves from the installation phase to later stages of training camp.

Watson said, "My job is to just keep trying to win the day, get better a little bit each time. Can't rush anything. Just get out there and let the football things I've been doing my whole life take care of themselves."