Browns alternate Shedeur Sanders, Deshaun Watson in first two preseason games
5 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Aug 13, 2026, 2:02 AM
Last updated Aug 13, 2026
The Cleveland Browns will alternate quarterbacks Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson in their first two preseason games. Head coach Todd Monken confirmed they will each start one game but has not disclosed the order of the starts. The decision comes as the team continues to evaluate its quarterback competition, with their first preseason game set for Saturday against the Chicago Bears. Joint practices with the Buffalo Bills before the following week’s game will also involve splitting reps between the two quarterbacks, ensuring both get time with the starters during preparation.
- •Cleveland opens preseason against Chicago Bears on Saturday.
- •Watson and Sanders to start one game each.
- •Joint practices with Buffalo Bills will also feature both quarterbacks.
- •Monken prioritizes evaluation before a decision is made.
- 9:01 PMYahoo Sports — ‘Cleveland’s QB of the Future Comes in ‘27’ — NFL Analysts React to Browns’ Shedeur Sanders-Deshaun Watson QB Battle in Preseason Opener
- 4:05 PMYahoo Sports — What Happened to Shedeur Sanders? A Look at Why Deshaun Watson Is Starting for Browns in Preseason Week 1
- 8:13 PMYahoo Sports — Browns QB Deshaun Watson to start preseason opener
- 2:02 AMYahoo Sports — Deshaun Watson to start Browns first preseason game
- 11:38 PMYahoo Sports — Browns to have Deshaun Watson start the preseason opener
- 11:07 PMYahoo Sports — Browns name Watson starter for preseason opener, Sanders to start Week 2
- 10:08 PMYahoo Sports — Deshaun Watson will start the Browns' preseason opener
- 6:25 PMYahoo Sports — Shedeur Sanders, Deshaun Watson to alternate starts in Browns' first 2 preseason games
"Shedeur Sanders’ first preseason appearance for the Cleveland Browns this year did little to settle the quarterback battle with Deshaun Watson. The veteran got the start against the Chicago Bears and played the entire first half, while Sanders entered after halftime and stayed into the fourth quarter after a possession began late in the third.
"The Cleveland Browns have made their quarterback plans for the preseason opener, but the decision has hardly settled the biggest question on the roster. Deshaun Watson will get the first chance to run the offense against the Chicago Bears, while Shedeur Sanders waits for his opportunity.
"With the preseason upon them, the Cleveland Browns appear no closer to settling their quarterback competition than they were at the start of training camp. And they won't be for at least another two weeks.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsAug 15, 2026, 9:01 PM‘Cleveland’s QB of the Future Comes in ‘27’ — NFL Analysts React to Browns’ Shedeur Sanders-Deshaun Watson QB Battle in Preseason Opener
Shedeur Sanders’ first preseason appearance for the Cleveland Browns this year did little to settle the quarterback battle with Deshaun Watson. The veteran got the start against the Chicago Bears and played the entire first half, while Sanders entered after halftime and stayed into the fourth quarter after a possession began late in the third.
- Yahoo SportsAug 15, 2026, 4:05 PMWhat Happened to Shedeur Sanders? A Look at Why Deshaun Watson Is Starting for Browns in Preseason Week 1
The Cleveland Browns have made their quarterback plans for the preseason opener, but the decision has hardly settled the biggest question on the roster. Deshaun Watson will get the first chance to run the offense against the Chicago Bears, while Shedeur Sanders waits for his opportunity.
- Yahoo SportsAug 13, 2026, 8:13 PMBrowns QB Deshaun Watson to start preseason opener
Latest details on the Browns' QB situation.
- Yahoo SportsAug 13, 2026, 2:02 AMDeshaun Watson to start Browns first preseason game
Deshaun Watson has been named the starter for the Cleveland Browns’ first preseason game this weekend.
- Yahoo SportsAug 12, 2026, 11:38 PMBrowns to have Deshaun Watson start the preseason opener
Todd Monken informed the team on Wednesday that Deshaun Watson will start the team's preseason opener.
- Yahoo SportsAug 12, 2026, 11:07 PMBrowns name Watson starter for preseason opener, Sanders to start Week 2
The Browns have decided on a starter for the preseason opener. Here's who is getting the nod.
- Yahoo SportsAug 12, 2026, 10:08 PMDeshaun Watson will start the Browns' preseason opener
Shedeur Sanders is also going to play and is in line to start the second preseason game.
- Yahoo SportsAug 10, 2026, 6:25 PMShedeur Sanders, Deshaun Watson to alternate starts in Browns' first 2 preseason games
With the preseason upon them, the Cleveland Browns appear no closer to settling their quarterback competition than they were at the start of training camp. And they won't be for at least another two weeks.
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