The Cleveland Browns have announced a quarterback rotation for their first two preseason games, giving fans a compelling reason to watch beyond the usual starters' brief appearances. Head coach Todd Monken informed the quarterbacks that Deshaun Watson will start the preseason opener on Saturday, August 15, 2026, in Chicago against the Bears. Shedeur Sanders is slated to start the second preseason game at home against the Buffalo Bills on Saturday, August 22, 2026.

Monken said the plan is for Watson and Sanders to each play roughly half the game against Chicago, then reverse the order the following week against Buffalo. Both quarterbacks have alternated working with the first-team offense during training camp and had opportunities with the starters during the spring.

Watson, who led the NFL in passing yards in 2020, did not play at all in 2021 after requesting a trade. The Browns also plan to give first-round pick Fernando Mendoza significant playing time in the preseason debut on Thursday, August 13, 2026.

With the Browns' quarterback competition still open, the preseason games provide valuable evaluation time before the regular season begins.

Sources