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

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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.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.

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