Browns confirm Watson starter for preseason opener against Bears

The Cleveland Browns have confirmed Deshaun Watson as the starting quarterback for their preseason opener against the Chicago Bears in Chicago on Saturday. Head coach Todd Monken informed both quarterbacks of the decision following practice on Wednesday, ending a period of alternating first-team reps between Watson and Shedeur Sanders.

This appearance will mark Watson’s first game since sustaining a right Achilles tear in October 2024. He missed the entire 2025 season following a second surgery on the injury in January 2025. Watson has appeared in only 19 games since being traded to the Browns in March 2022, a period interrupted by suspensions and injuries.

Monken indicated that the starting quarterback would play one half of the game, with the non-starter taking the field for the third quarter. This structure aims to provide limited but meaningful game action for both players as the team evaluates its roster ahead of the regular season.

Watson described the upcoming exhibition as a significant opportunity for recovery and performance assessment. He noted that the preparation with the training staff and personal team has been substantial, expressing readiness to return to the field after a prolonged absence.

Shedeur Sanders, selected 144th in the 2025 NFL draft, is scheduled to start the second preseason game at home against the Buffalo Bills on 22 August. Sanders started the final seven games of his rookie season, posting a 3-4 record with seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions.

Despite recording a 18.9 QBR as a rookie, which ranked among the lowest for quarterbacks with sufficient attempts in the era since 2006, coaches have praised Sanders’ development in pre-snap and post-snap decision-making. Sanders emphasised that the team approaches practice with game-like intensity, viewing the preseason as a chance to replicate that focus in a competitive setting.

Statistically, Watson’s tenure in Cleveland has faced scrutiny. His 33.1 Total QBR since his debut would rank last among qualifying quarterbacks if he had accumulated enough starts to meet the threshold, highlighting the performance challenges he has faced since joining the franchise.