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Deshaun Watson to Start Browns Preseason Opener Amid QB Battle with Shedeur Sanders

PUBLISHED Aug 12, 2026, 11:25 PM ET

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Deshaun Watson to Start Browns Preseason Opener Amid QB Battle with Shedeur Sanders

Media Bias Meter

Sources: 31

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Sources: 31

The Cleveland Browns named veteran quarterback Deshaun Watson starter for their opening preseason game against the Chicago Bears. Head coach Todd Monken announced this decision following team practice, setting up a major exhibition debut while Watson competes with young passer Shedeur Sanders for the starting role. Watson will play the first half of Saturday afternoon, marking his initial game action since October 2024. His tenure in Cleveland since a massive 2022 trade has faced severe disruption through multiple injuries, including shoulder damage and dual Achilles tendon tears. Meanwhile, Sanders will receive the starting nod for the second exhibition match against Buffalo. Although Watson displayed steady improvements during training camp following early struggles, coaches stress that the competition remains entirely open ahead of the regular season opener versus Jacksonville on September thirteenth. Both athletes continue splitting vital primary repetitions while the organization evaluates overall roster performance before finalizing final team decisions.

By Daniel Hayes | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

On March 20, 2022, Cleveland Browns acquired quarterback Deshaun Watson.
On November 14, 2023, Watson sustained a major shoulder injury.
On October 20, 2024, Watson suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon.
On April 25, 2025, Cleveland drafted rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders.
On January 10, 2026, Todd Monken became team head coach.
On August 12, 2026, coach Monken announced upcoming preseason starters.
On August 12, 2026, media outlets reported Watson starting opener.
On August 15, 2026, Watson starts preseason game against Bears.
On August 22, 2026, Sanders starts preseason game against Bills.
On September 13, 2026, Cleveland opens regular season against Jacksonville.
On January 15, 2027, franchise evaluations will determine future quarterback decisions.

News Intelligence

Fans evaluate quarterback readiness ahead of upcoming NFL preseason games.
Franchise roster direction depends entirely upon regular season performance outcomes.
Cleveland Browns fans, local sports media, coaching staff, and quarterbacks.
Official team announcements regarding verified training camp depth chart updates.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 31
Right Leaning:: 0
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 31

Explain Framing

Focuses heavily on past legal controversies and organizational accountability issues. Emphasizes straightforward athletic competition statistics and official coaching staff decisions. Highlights personal redemption narratives and professional athletic performance comeback milestones.