When the Cleveland Browns take the field against the Chicago Bears on Saturday, Aug. 15, it will mark the first time in 664 days that Deshaun Watson has last stepped foot on an NFL field. When he does it, there will now be something special about it for him, and hopefully the Browns.
ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that head coach Todd Monken informed the quarterbacks this afternoon that Deshaun Watson will start the team's first preseason game. In camp, it is well documented his performances have been up and down but now seeing him against someone other the Browns defense may provide some added context.
Deshaun Watson will start this Saturday's preseason game, with Shedeur Sanders to start next week's game read more ➡️ https://t.co/thL2C3PQFD pic.twitter.com/JkDNydiVUU
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) August 12, 2026
While Watson has been tapped the starter for the team's preseason opener on the road, he will not be starting next week when the Browns play in front of a hometown crowd.
Shedeur Sanders will start against the Bills
To allow for a fair shake to both quarterbacks, Schefter reported that Shedeur Sanders will start the team's second preseason game at home against the Buffalo Bills. Sanders has been projected by some as the logical choice to be the Browns starter given the performances and injury history of Watson. However, he still will need to prove he can take the reigns and win the job.
Also of note, both quarterbacks will be expected to play the first half of the games they start while the QB2 in their matchups will play the entire third quarter.
This article originally appeared on Browns Wire: Browns to have Deshaun Watson start the preseason opener
