Browns prepare for preseason opener against Bears with Watson and Sanders
4 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 12, 2026, 10:38 PM
Last updated Aug 12, 2026
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.
- •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
- 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
- 9:28 PMYahoo Sports — Deshaun Watson, Shedeur Sanders on how they're approaching preseason opener at Bears
"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.
"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.
"Todd Monken has yet to reveal which Browns QB, Deshaun Watson or Shedeur Sanders, will start Saturday against the Bears.
Sources
External links- ESPNAug 12, 2026, 11:22 PMWatson tapped to start Browns' preseason opener
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.
- Yahoo SportsAug 12, 2026, 10:11 PMDeshaun Watson starting Browns' exhibition opener at QB, Shedeur Sanders to start next week vs Bills
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.
- Yahoo SportsAug 12, 2026, 9:28 PMDeshaun Watson, Shedeur Sanders on how they're approaching preseason opener at Bears
Todd Monken has yet to reveal which Browns QB, Deshaun Watson or Shedeur Sanders, will start Saturday against the Bears.
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