Browns name Deshaun Watson starting QB over Shedeur Sanders for Week 1
3 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 24, 2026, 4:52 PM
Last updated Aug 24, 2026
The Cleveland Browns have announced Deshaun Watson as their starting quarterback for Week 1, despite some fan backlash following his recent preseason performance. Head coach Todd Monken stated that Watson provides the best chance to score points and move the ball this season. Watson's statistics in the preseason show a completion of 16-for-27 for 162 yards, one interception, while second-year QB Shedeur Sanders went 15-for-22 for 153 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions. Monken clarified that this decision is not intended to be week-to-week, indicating Watson's position is secure barring injury or poor performance.
- •Deshaun Watson named starting QB for the Browns' season opener.
- •Todd Monken cites Watson's ability to help score points.
- •Watson's preseason stats show 162 passing yards with one interception.
- •Sanders performs closely with 153 passing yards and one touchdown.
- •Monken emphasizes no week-to-week competition for starting QB.
- 4:52 PMYahoo Sports — Browns make decision in Shedeur Sanders, Deshaun Watson QB battle
- 4:50 PMYahoo Sports — Todd Monken: We expect Deshaun Watson to play well, or we wouldn't be starting him
- 4:20 PMYahoo Sports — Browns HC Todd Monken reveals why Deshaun Watson is starting QB over Shedeur Sanders
- 2:17 PMprofootballrumors.com — Deshaun Watson’s Comments May Impact Browns’ QB1 Decision - NFL Rumors - ProFootballRumors.com
"Colorado fans finally received an answer on whether Sanders would be named the Browns' Week 1 starter. Todd Monken revealed his choice on Monday.
"Browns QB Deshaun Watson's comments after Cleveland's second preseason game may force HC Todd Monken to name Shedeur Sanders the starter.
"The Browns HC discussed his decision to name Watson the club's starting QB in his Monday press conference.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsAug 24, 2026, 4:52 PMBrowns make decision in Shedeur Sanders, Deshaun Watson QB battle
Colorado fans finally received an answer on whether Sanders would be named the Browns' Week 1 starter. Todd Monken revealed his choice on Monday.
- Yahoo SportsAug 24, 2026, 4:50 PMTodd Monken: We expect Deshaun Watson to play well, or we wouldn't be starting him
The Browns HC discussed his decision to name Watson the club's starting QB in his Monday press conference.
- Yahoo SportsAug 24, 2026, 4:20 PMBrowns HC Todd Monken reveals why Deshaun Watson is starting QB over Shedeur Sanders
The Browns head coach reveals the reasoning for his big QB decision.
- profootballrumors.comAug 23, 2026, 2:17 PMDeshaun Watson’s Comments May Impact Browns’ QB1 Decision - NFL Rumors - ProFootballRumors.com
Browns QB Deshaun Watson's comments after Cleveland's second preseason game may force HC Todd Monken to name Shedeur Sanders the starter.
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