Browns name Deshaun Watson as starting QB for Week 1
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 25, 2026, 11:48 AM
Last updated Aug 25, 2026
Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken announced Deshaun Watson will be the starting quarterback for Week 1 of the NFL season. Despite a disappointing performance against the Buffalo Bills and criticism of fans, the decision reflects Watson's experience over Shedeur Sanders. The coaching staff evaluated both quarterbacks throughout training camp and the preseason before opting for Watson. Questions about Watson's readiness persist, especially after he missed the last two seasons due to injury. The Browns will face the Jacksonville Jaguars in their season opener.
- •Deshaun Watson named starting quarterback for Week 1 against Jaguars.
- •Decision follows criticism of Watson's preseason performance.
- •Coaching staff prioritized Watson's experience over Sanders.
- •Watson has not played a regular-season game since 2024.
- •Browns play their first home game in Week 3.
- 11:48 AMYahoo Sports — How would you have handled the Browns starting QB decision?
"After a preseason quarterback battle, did the Cleveland Browns QB competition ending with Deshaun Watson make sense?
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