Deshaun Watson to Start Browns Preseason Opener Against Chicago Bears

Coach Todd Monken announced Deshaun Watson will start Saturday's preseason opener in Chicago, marking his first appearance since an October 2024 Achilles injury.

Deshaun Watson will start at quarterback for the Cleveland Browns in their preseason opener against the Chicago Bears this Saturday. Head coach Todd Monken informed the team of the decision following Wednesday's practice in Berea, Ohio. Shedeur Sanders is scheduled to start the second exhibition contest at home against the Buffalo Bills on Aug. 22. Monken intends for his designated starter to play the entire first half, while the second quarterback on the depth chart will handle snaps throughout the third quarter.

This Saturday marks Watson’s first game action since October 2024, when he suffered a torn right Achilles tendon. Following that injury, he underwent a second surgery on the tendon in January 2025, which resulted in him missing the entire 2025 season. Since joining Cleveland via trade in March 2022, Watson has appeared in only 19 games due to a combination of injuries and suspension. During his tenure with the Browns, he has posted a 33.1 Total QBR, a figure that would rank last among qualifying NFL quarterbacks if he had met the minimum start requirements.

Quarterback Competition and Practice Reps

Watson and Sanders have been alternating first-team practice repetitions throughout the current quarterback competition. Watson described the upcoming preseason as a "great opportunity" to return to the field. He credited his personal team and the franchise training staff for his recovery, stating on Wednesday that he is "super excited" to reach this stage of his comeback. The veteran signal-caller emphasized that the hard work invested in his rehabilitation has been tremendous for his personal progress.

Shedeur Sanders enters this preseason following a rookie year where he was selected 144th overall in the 2025 NFL draft. During his debut season, Sanders started the final seven games, finishing with a 3-4 record. His statistical output included seven passing touchdowns and 10 interceptions, alongside one rushing touchdown. Sanders recorded an 18.9 QBR as a rookie, which stands as the fifth-lowest mark among 696 quarterbacks with at least 200 pass attempts since the QBR era began in 2006.

Development and Coaching Evaluations

Despite the statistical struggles of his rookie campaign, Browns coaches have highlighted Sanders' growth in pre- and post-snap development since the start of the offseason workout program. Sanders noted on Wednesday that the team approaches practice with the same focus and intensity as a live game. He expressed interest in seeing how the game environment compares to the intentionality of daily practice sessions.

Monken’s strategy for the first two preseason games ensures both quarterbacks receive significant live-game volume. By splitting the first half and third quarter between the two players, the coaching staff will gather data on both the veteran returning from a multi-year injury layoff and the second-year pro. Watson remains focused on the transition from training to game speed, while Sanders aims to translate his offseason mental development into on-field performance against the Bills on Aug. 22.