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Browns prepare for preseason opener against Bears with Watson and Sanders

11 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Aug 15, 2026, 7:20 PM

Last updated Aug 15, 2026

Browns prepare for preseason opener against Bears with Watson and Sanders
Summary

The Cleveland Browns are set to compete against the Chicago Bears in their preseason opener on Saturday. Head coach Todd Monken has yet to announce whether Deshaun Watson or Shedeur Sanders will start, with plans for both quarterbacks to get substantial playing time. Watson returns to the field for the first time since suffering a major injury in 2024, while Sanders has been in competition for the starting role. Both players expressed excitement for the opportunity to play live football against another team, emphasizing the value of game-speed experience. A follow-up assessment will take place in the next preseason game against the Bills on August 22.

Source Links
Yahoo SportsESPNcleveland.com
Status Watch
  • •Browns face Bears in preseason opener on Saturday
  • •Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders in competition for starting QB
  • •Watson aims to build on his return to action after injury
  • •Monken will assess performance in two upcoming preseason games
  • •Next preseason game is against the Bills on August 22
Latest Updates
  • 7:20 PMYahoo Sports — Browns QB Shedeur Sanders stats & numbers in preseason game vs. Bears
  • 3:00 PMYahoo Sports — Bears vs. Browns live updates: Tracking Shedeur Sanders, Deshaun Watson
  • 2:54 PMYahoo Sports — Where to watch Shedeur Sanders vs. Bears in Browns preseason opener
  • 10:30 AMYahoo Sports — Is Shedeur Sanders playing today? Browns QB plans for preseason game vs. Bears
  • 11:00 AMYahoo Sports — ‘Get rid’ – Browns fans are not impressed by WR after dropping Shedeur Sanders pass in training camp
  • 11:24 PMYahoo Sports — Shedeur Sanders won't start Browns' first preseason game vs. Bears
  • 11:22 PMESPN — Watson tapped to start Browns' preseason opener
  • 10:11 PMYahoo Sports — Deshaun Watson starting Browns' exhibition opener at QB, Shedeur Sanders to start next week vs Bills
What they're saying
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Deshaun Watson gets to go first. The polarizing quarterback will start Cleveland's exhibition opener at Chicago on Saturday — his first game action since 2024 — and Shedeur Sanders will play in the second half as the Browns' QB competition creeps toward a conclusion. First-year coach Todd Monken informed Watson and Sanders of his plans for the first two preseason games following Wednesday's practice.

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The Cleveland Browns are gearing up for their first preseason game of the summer on Saturday against the Chicago Bears. It has been confirmed by Todd Monken that Deshaun Watson will be starting the opening game of preseason against the Bears and Shedeur Sanders will play against the Buffalo Bills.

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The Browns will start Deshaun Watson at quarterback in their preseason opener Saturday in Chicago, and Shedeur Sanders will start the second preseason game at home against the Bills.

— ESPNby Daniel Oyefusi
Related Teams & Leagues
Buffalo BillsChicago BearsCleveland BrownsJacksonville JaguarsNFLFootball

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