Home/Articles/NFL
NFL·PREVIEW·August 12, 2026 10:05 PM ET

Watson gets Browns' first preseason start; Sanders set for second

Cleveland opens Saturday at 1 p.m. in Chicago.

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated Aug 131 min read
Post on X
From #Browns: “Head Coach Todd Monken informed the QBs this afternoon in meetings after practice that Deshaun Watson wil Via @RuiterWrongFAN on X

What happened: Todd Monken informed the quarterbacks after Wednesday's practice. Cleveland visits the Bears on Aug. 15 before returning home for its second preseason game Aug. 22.

Why it matters: The rotation gives both contenders an opening assignment during Cleveland's quarterback competition. The regular-season job remains the larger decision ahead of the 2026 opener.

What to watch: Monken's snap distribution and first-team usage Saturday will provide the next checkpoint in the competition.

Sources

CONVERSATION
Loading comments…
NFLPreviewCleveland BrownsChicago BearsDeshaun WatsonShedeur Sanders
Follow NFL Intelligence
Real-time signals and analysis
@WireReportNFL
WR Pro
The day's sports, briefed to your inbox at 7am ET. Every claim sourced.
$9/monthFree weekly newsletter →
RELATED STORIES
← Back to Wire Report