Browns name Deshaun Watson starting QB over Shedeur Sanders for Week 1
3 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 24, 2026, 2:12 PM
Last updated Aug 24, 2026
The Cleveland Browns have selected Deshaun Watson as their starting quarterback for the season opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars, ending a competition with Shedeur Sanders. Watson's performance during the preseason was underwhelming, completing 16 of 27 passes for 162 yards, with one interception. This decision comes after Watson faced criticism from fans, which he addressed as personal. With two games scheduled on the road before their home opener, Watson will have time to address the fan sentiment before their first home crowd response.
- •Watson last played in October 2024 due to Achilles injuries.
- •He faced significant criticism after a poor preseason showing against Buffalo.
- •Browns took Watson over Sanders despite uneven preseason from both quarterbacks.
- •Cleveland's first two games are on the road before returning home.
- •Watson has a 9-10 record in 19 games since joining Cleveland.
- 2:12 PMCBS Sports — Browns name Deshaun Watson starter days after he called out fans: Veteran QB beats out Shedeur Sanders
- 2:04 PMYahoo Sports — Browns name Deshaun Watson their starting QB over Shedeur Sanders
- 2:00 PMYahoo Sports — Browns reportedly name Deshaun Watson their starting QB for Week 1 after battle with Shedeur Sanders
"Cleveland is giving Watson another opportunity in the final year of his contract after he missed the entire 2025 season recovering from Achilles injuries
"Cleveland named Deshaun Watson QB1 for Week 1, ending the AFC North’s only starting quarterback competition
"Deshaun Watson, after multiple Achilles injuries, is now in line to start his first game since 2024.
Sources
External links- CBS SportsAug 24, 2026, 2:12 PMBrowns name Deshaun Watson starter days after he called out fans: Veteran QB beats out Shedeur Sanders
Cleveland is giving Watson another opportunity in the final year of his contract after he missed the entire 2025 season recovering from Achilles injuries
- Yahoo SportsAug 24, 2026, 2:04 PMBrowns name Deshaun Watson their starting QB over Shedeur Sanders
Cleveland named Deshaun Watson QB1 for Week 1, ending the AFC North’s only starting quarterback competition
- Yahoo SportsAug 24, 2026, 2:00 PMBrowns reportedly name Deshaun Watson their starting QB for Week 1 after battle with Shedeur Sanders
Deshaun Watson, after multiple Achilles injuries, is now in line to start his first game since 2024.
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