Deshaun Watson gets first preseason start, raising QB competition stakes
NBCSports.com • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 15, 2026, 2:56 PM
Last updated Aug 15, 2026
Deshaun Watson will start for the Cleveland Browns in their preseason opener against the Chicago Bears on August 15, 2026. This decision is seen as an indication that he holds an edge in the ongoing quarterback competition against Shedeur Sanders, who will start in Week 2. The choice to have Watson play away from a potentially hostile home crowd may alleviate pressure, allowing him to focus on proving himself. Watson’s performance in this game is crucial, as a strong showing would solidify his candidacy for the starting position ahead of the regular season, which features tough match-ups against the Jaguars, Buccaneers, Panthers, and Steelers.
- •Watson starts against the Bears on August 15, 2026.
- •Shedeur Sanders scheduled to start in Week 2.
- •Watson’s performance could impact starting job for Week 1.
- •Browns face tough opening schedule after preseason.
- 3:00 PMNBCSports.com — What does Deshaun Watson getting the first preseason start mean for the QB competition? - NBC Sports
- 2:56 PMYahoo Sports — What does Deshaun Watson getting the first preseason start mean for the QB competition?
"When two quarterbacks are competing for one job, it's often perceived that the player getting the first crack as to any of the various checkpoints has the edge.
"When two quarterbacks are competing for one job, it's often perceived that the player getting the first crack as to any of the various checkpoints has the edge.
Sources
External links- NBCSports.comAug 15, 2026, 3:00 PMWhat does Deshaun Watson getting the first preseason start mean for the QB competition? - NBC Sports
When two quarterbacks are competing for one job, it's often perceived that the player getting the first crack as to any of the various checkpoints has the edge.
- Yahoo SportsAug 15, 2026, 2:56 PMWhat does Deshaun Watson getting the first preseason start mean for the QB competition?
When two quarterbacks are competing for one job, it's often perceived that the player getting the first crack as to any of the various checkpoints has the edge.
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