Former Clemsonfootball star Deshaun Watson will start the Cleveland Browns’ preseason opener against the Chicago Bears on Saturday, marking his first game appearance since suffering a torn Achilles in October 2024.
Browns head coach Todd Monken said Watson is expected to play the first half before Shedeur Sanders takes over. Sanders will then start Cleveland’s second preseason game against the Buffalo Bills on Aug. 22, with Watson scheduled to play the second half.
Despite the planned rotation, Monken emphasized that the Browns’ quarterback competition remains open.
“We have my reasons for how it’s going to go, and it’s still a competition,” Monken said Wednesday.
Watson has alternated first-team reps with Sanders throughout training camp. He recently showed progress in practice, connecting with wide receiver Isaiah Bond on a deep touchdown pass and finding Cedric Tillman for a major completion along the right sideline.
Isaiah Bond with the nice TD catch from Deshaun Watson #Brownspic.twitter.com/8noDNGI6Kj
— Ashley Bastock (@AshleyBastock42) May 27, 2026
Quarterbacks coach Mike Bajakian also said Watson has improved after throwing several early interceptions. Bajakian praised Watson’s recent decision-making, anticipation, and ability to release the ball on time.
The preseason opener will be Watson’s first live-game test since his injury. He missed the entire 2025 season after undergoing a second Achilles surgery in January 2025.
“I’m super excited,” Watson said. “All the hard work that I put in with the training staff, with my team and my personal team to get to this stage has been tremendous for me.”
Sanders started the final seven games of his rookie season, finishing with a 3-4 record, seven touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. He posted an 18.9 QBR, but the Browns remain interested in evaluating whether he can make a significant second-year jump.
For now, Watson will get the first opportunity against Chicago, while Sanders will have his chance to respond against Buffalo.
Clemson’s freshman class is impressing Dabo Swinney early in fall camp
— Clemson Wire (@Clemson_Wire) August 13, 2026
📸 Ken Ruinard / USA Today Network , USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co https://t.co/JIXOhWKKWypic.twitter.com/tGw3dQaExt
The Browns are yet to name their regular-season starter.
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This article originally appeared on Clemson Wire: Deshaun Watson’s QB1 fate determined amid Browns QB duel in Cleveland