It has taken a while, but there may finally be some signs of separation in the Cleveland Browns’ quarterback competition. An unexpected change in the allotment of first-team reps was followed by a strong performance from Deshaun Watson on Saturday.
Head coach Todd Monken told reporters that it would be Shedeur Sanders’ turn with the first team, but that did not wind up being the case. Watson not only took those snaps for a second straight day, but Dillon Gabriel split the second-team reps with Sanders.
So, after Day 10 of camp, it looks like Watson is making a strong case as the leader in the ongoing quarterback battle.
“Deshaun Watson took all of the 1st team reps,” ESPN Cleveland posted.
DAY 10 OF BROWNS TRAINING CAMP
IS A WRAP! Here’s how all the QBs did in team drills (7v7 and 11v11). Deshaun Watson took all of the 1st team reps. pic.twitter.com/BpboQhjyKd— ESPN Cleveland (@ESPNCleveland) August 8, 2026
With those valuable reps, Watson completed 23 of his 34 attempts. Much more importantly, he threw four touchdown passes without an interception after he struggled with eight INTs in the first nine practices.
Sanders completed 16 of his 20 attempts without a touchdown or an interception. Gabriel went just 5-of-12 with his elevated reps, and he also did not throw a TD or an INT.
It is unknown why Monken decided to alter his practice plan for his quarterback on the fly Saturday. Perhaps he was hoping that Watson would continue to build on solid practices he had Wednesday and Friday.
What this means for Sanders also remains unclear, but based on Gabriel being unable to complete half of his passes on Saturday, their statuses seem unlikely to change. But if Watson is given the first-team assignment at the next practice, it would speak volumes about where this competition is headed.
The quarterback deployment in the first preseason game next Saturday against the Chicago Bears was expected to be the next significant indicator. But if this turn of events is more than Monken just acting on a whim, the end result could come sooner than that.
Of course, with all the twists and turns so far, it is just as likely that something else will happen over the upcoming week to change the outlook again.
NEXT: Browns QB Coach Gets Candid About Shedeur Sanders' Progress
