It is only a preseason game, but this Saturday might be one of the most important days for the Cleveland Browns this season. Deshaun Watson is in line for his first live action in almost two years, and how he fares could go a long way in deciding the team’s quarterback competition.
Watson last faced a real opponent on Oct. 20, 2024, when he tore his Achilles in the second quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals. As he left the Browns’ home field on a cart, some fans booed while others cheered sarcastically.
His much-anticipated return would come on the road at Soldier Field against the Chicago Bears in the preseason opener. Based on recent practice trends, Watson is likely to be the Browns’ starter for that game, which would be a major step on his long journey of recovery.
Insider Zac Jackson of The Athletic has a strong belief about the Browns’ plans against the Bears, saying Watson and Shedeur Sanders will each have a significant role.
“I feel pretty strongly it’s gonna be Watson there (as the starter). Watson has to play in the preseason. He hasn’t played in two years. So if he’s at all in the plans, he has to play. I just think the most sensible thing is you start Watson, he plays a couple of series, then Shedeur comes in,” Jackson said.
"I feel pretty strongly it's gonna be Watson there (vs Chicago on Saturday). In terms of the next 10 days…I really think it's just getting interesting. I think the most important stuff is yet to come."
🚨 @AkronJackson w/ @KenCarman and @SportsBoyTony on the #Browns QB… pic.twitter.com/Hfx2QtifKA
— 92.3 The Fan (@923TheFan) August 11, 2026
After getting back-to-back days with the first team at training camp over the weekend, it looked like a foregone conclusion that not only would Watson be the starter to open the preseason, but that he had already seized the job for Week 1 of the regular season. Yet, Sanders was given the first-team snaps on Monday, and he responded to the challenge with a great practice, so the competition continues to play out.
If both Watson and Sanders emerge from the game Saturday healthy, the next big test will come in a joint practice against the Buffalo Bills, followed by a preseason game at Huntington Bank Field. The thinking goes that Watson will run the first-team offense at the practice next Thursday, while Sanders will get his turn to start two days later.
“In terms of the next 10 days, I really think it’s just getting interesting. I think the most important stuff is yet to come,” Jackson said.
Head coach Todd Monken likely will have his QB1 in place after that, as he would not want to risk his starter in the final preseason game against the New England Patriots on Thursday, Aug. 27.
NEXT: Todd Monken Says One Browns QB Has 'Played Better' In Camp
