Shedeur Sanders prepares for key opportunity in Browns QB competition
6 sources • 3 min read • Latest: Aug 21, 2026, 11:31 AM
Last updated Aug 21, 2026
The Cleveland Browns continue their quarterback competition this week as Shedeur Sanders prepares to showcase his skills in a preseason game against the Buffalo Bills on August 22. Deshaun Watson had a strong performance in the Browns' preseason opener against the Chicago Bears, completing 11 of 15 passes for 126 yards. Sanders played the third quarter in that game, completing 6 of 11 passes for 79 yards with one interception. Coach Todd Monken emphasized the importance of both quarterbacks having opportunities to show their talent, with Sanders set to receive significant first-team reps leading up to the Bills game.
- •Deshaun Watson completed 11 of 15 passes against the Bears.
- •Shedeur Sanders had 79 passing yards with one interception in his stint.
- •Sanders will start against the Bills on August 22.
- •Joint practice with the Bills is scheduled for August 20.
- •Coach Monken aims for balanced reps in player evaluations.
- 8:57 PMYahoo Sports — Shedeur Sanders throws TD pass in final chance to win starting QB job but Bills batter Browns 31-7
- 7:42 PMYahoo Sports — Shedeur Sanders states case as Browns starter: Instant analysis, grade
- 11:31 AMYahoo Sports — Shedeur Sanders explains how he's grown from Browns' QB competition
- 10:50 PMYahoo Sports — Sanders to get opportunities in joint practice and preseason game as Browns QB competition continues
- 4:07 PMAndscape.com — The Shedeur Sanders vs. Deshaun Watson quarterback battle is intriguing beyond football - Andscape
- 1:34 PMYahoo Sports — ‘It’s Deshaun Watson’s Job to Lose’ — 6-Time Pro Bowler Has No Faith in Browns Giving Shedeur Sanders a Fair Shake in QB Battle
- 10:33 PMYahoo Sports — A 'pretty balanced' Browns QB race, and the next audition belongs to Shedeur Sanders
- 8:48 PMYahoo Sports — Where Shedeur Sanders' opportunity exists this week in Browns QB derby
"Deshaun Watson made the most of his opportunity this past week to show he should be the Cleveland Browns’ starting quarterback when the season opens on Sept. 13 in Jacksonville. The upcoming week will be Shedeur Sanders’ turn. “I did feel going into last game that it was relatively close in terms of both having an opportunity at the starting position, so it would be unfair to not go into the next game and give Shedeur that same opportunity," coach Todd Monken said Sunday.
"Most observers of the Cleveland Browns' quarterback competition have viewed this week as an opportunity for Shedeur Sanders to make his best case to be the starter on Sept. 13 at Jacksonville over Deshaun Watson. Not only did the second-year signal-caller get snaps with the first-team offense on Monday and Wednesday, he will start on Saturday in the second preseason game against Buffalo. Sanders, though, said Wednesday he is not putting any extra importance on this week.
"Shedeur Sanders threw a touchdown pass and made good decisions in perhaps his last chance to convince coach Todd Monken he should be Cleveland's starting quarterback in the Browns' 31-7 preseason loss to the Buffalo Bills on Saturday. Sanders, competing with Deshaun Watson to be the No. 1 QB, completed his first eight passes.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsAug 22, 2026, 8:57 PMShedeur Sanders throws TD pass in final chance to win starting QB job but Bills batter Browns 31-7
Shedeur Sanders threw a touchdown pass and made good decisions in perhaps his last chance to convince coach Todd Monken he should be Cleveland's starting quarterback in the Browns' 31-7 preseason loss to the Buffalo Bills on Saturday. Sanders, competing with Deshaun Watson to be the No. 1 QB, completed his first eight passes.
- Yahoo SportsAug 22, 2026, 7:42 PMShedeur Sanders states case as Browns starter: Instant analysis, grade
Shedeur Sanders got a chance to start in the Browns' second preseason game. Here's a full breakdown of his performance against the Bills.
- Yahoo SportsAug 21, 2026, 11:31 AMShedeur Sanders explains how he's grown from Browns' QB competition
Shedeur Sanders explained how seven NFL starts helped him grow as a quarterback ahead of a crucial preseason start for the Browns against the Bills.
- Yahoo SportsAug 19, 2026, 10:50 PMSanders to get opportunities in joint practice and preseason game as Browns QB competition continues
Most observers of the Cleveland Browns' quarterback competition have viewed this week as an opportunity for Shedeur Sanders to make his best case to be the starter on Sept. 13 at Jacksonville over Deshaun Watson. Not only did the second-year signal-caller get snaps with the first-team offense on Monday and Wednesday, he will start on Saturday in the second preseason game against Buffalo. Sanders, though, said Wednesday he is not putting any extra importance on this week.
- Andscape.comAug 17, 2026, 4:07 PMThe Shedeur Sanders vs. Deshaun Watson quarterback battle is intriguing beyond football - Andscape
The battle between Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson for the Browns' starting QB job is the first of its kind in NFL history.
- Yahoo SportsAug 17, 2026, 1:34 PM‘It’s Deshaun Watson’s Job to Lose’ — 6-Time Pro Bowler Has No Faith in Browns Giving Shedeur Sanders a Fair Shake in QB Battle
The Cleveland Browns’ quarterback battle has plenty of attention around it, but the competition may not be as even as it looks. Shedeur Sanders has another chance to make his case, while Deshaun Watson carries the weight of experience and a major investment from the franchise.
- Yahoo SportsAug 16, 2026, 10:33 PMA 'pretty balanced' Browns QB race, and the next audition belongs to Shedeur Sanders
Deshaun Watson made the most of his opportunity this past week to show he should be the Cleveland Browns’ starting quarterback when the season opens on Sept. 13 in Jacksonville. The upcoming week will be Shedeur Sanders’ turn. “I did feel going into last game that it was relatively close in terms of both having an opportunity at the starting position, so it would be unfair to not go into the next game and give Shedeur that same opportunity," coach Todd Monken said Sunday.
- Yahoo SportsAug 16, 2026, 8:48 PMWhere Shedeur Sanders' opportunity exists this week in Browns QB derby
Deshaun Watson had a solid 1st preseason game for the Browns against the Bears. This week, though, provides an chance for Shedeur Sanders to answer.
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