Cleveland Browns announce preseason QB rotation for opener

Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken has announced the rotation for the team’s preseason opener against the Chicago Bears. Deshaun Watson is scheduled to start the first half, marking his first game action since 2024 following two Achilles tendon ruptures. Shedeur Sanders will play the second half of the opener and is slated to start the following preseason game against the Buffalo Bills.

The decision is part of an ongoing quarterback competition to determine the starter for the regular season. Monken noted that the rotation allows both players to experience two-minute drill situations.

Amid the competition, Shedeur Sanders issued an apology to the media, stating he had become frustrated by repetitive questioning regarding the quarterback battle, which he felt could create division within the team.

In other roster moves, the Browns signed rookie cornerback Jeremiah McClendon to address depth issues in the secondary, waiving Tyron Herring in the process.