Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken has made a significant announcement, naming veteran quarterback Deshaun Watson as the starter for the team's initial preseason matchup against the Chicago Bears. This decision concludes a period of anticipation and discussion surrounding the team's quarterback situation. Watson is slated to play for one half of the game, with Shedeur Sanders expected to take the starting role in the subsequent preseason contest against Buffalo. Coach Monken highlighted that these games are crucial for evaluating both players in a live-action environment before the regular season commences.
Browns Coach Monken Confirms Watson as Starter for Bears Preseason Game
In a long-awaited declaration, Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken confirmed on Wednesday afternoon, August 12, 2026, that Deshaun Watson will lead the offense as the starting quarterback for the team's preseason opener against the Chicago Bears this Saturday. This decision marks Monken's first major strategic move since assuming the head coaching position and temporarily settles weeks of speculation regarding the starting signal-caller. The plan, as articulated by Monken, involves both Watson and Shedeur Sanders playing roughly one half each during the preseason. Monken stated, "One's going to start this week, and one's going to start next week, and we're going to play them about a half each. I'd like to see a quarterback play a half and get a two-minute; we're going to do everything we can to get a two-minute and for the half, and we're going to try to do the exact same thing the next week." This approach is designed to provide comprehensive evaluation opportunities for both quarterbacks. Given that the game is an away fixture, there is no concern about potential negative reactions from home fans towards Watson. Having not played since October 2024, Watson's need for live game experience against an opposing team is paramount. Watson expressed his eagerness for the upcoming challenge, noting, "For me, it's just really being able to play live football against a different opponent. I'm not worried about being hit or anything like that. That's part of the game. But as far as me operating in a live setting without being on the practice field with coaches being on the field with you, that's what I'm looking forward to, and just getting those reps." Similarly, Sanders conveyed his anticipation to gauge his progress since his rookie season, stating, "I like the challenge of going out there to get the ball out of my hand, so I don't get hit. That's the challenge for me, to be able to make the right reads, to be able to go through progressions and figure it out. Even in practice, I don't take it lightly when I could possibly get hit, because I'm trying to improve the process and speed everything up. It's extremely tough, but it's definitely a challenge I look forward to every day going out there." The final starting decision for the regular season, which begins on September 13 in Jacksonville, remains contingent on these crucial preseason evaluations.
The strategic decision by Coach Monken to provide significant playing time to both Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders during the preseason is a pragmatic approach. It underscores the importance of live game situations for player evaluation, particularly for quarterbacks who require intricate timing and decision-making under pressure. This move not only addresses the immediate need for game-readiness but also offers a transparent competition framework, fostering a competitive yet developmental environment for both players. It will be compelling to observe how each quarterback leverages these opportunities to solidify their case for the starting role as the regular season approaches.
