The primary focus of the Cleveland Browns’ preseason opener on Saturday will be how starting quarterback Deshaun Watson performs in his first live action in almost two years. However, there are many more areas that are worth watching that will have an effect on the final 53-man roster.
In addition to the rebuilt offensive line facing its first opponent in the Chicago Bears, there are plenty of jobs up for grabs on both sides of the ball. How those players perform could determine the makeup of the team going forward.
Heading into Saturday, analyst Daryl Ruiter identified the Browns’ biggest preseason roster concerns, which are along the defensive line, in the secondary, and at wide receiver.
“The defensive line depth is going to be critical. They’re banged up there. They’ve got to sort out the rotation at corner, and basically the secondary. Which of these other cornerbacks and safeties can distinguish themselves? I think that that’s going to be critically important. Then, the fifth and sixth wide receiver spots because we know who the four guys they’re keeping are. You’ve got two jobs up for grabs, and you’ve got eight guys competing for them,” Ruiter said.
"The defensive line depth is going to be critical. They've got to sort out the rotation at corner…and then the 5th and 6th WR spots."
➡️ @RuiterWrongFAN w/ @KenCarman and @SportsBoyTony on the #Browns areas of focus on the roster during the preseason pic.twitter.com/4GgKmWfqoz
— 92.3 The Fan (@923TheFan) August 14, 2026
The Browns have been dealing with injuries along the defensive line for most of training camp. Maliek Collins has been on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list as he continues to recover from a quad injury he suffered last season, and Mike Hall Jr., Kalia Davis, and Sam Kamara continue to be sidelined at practice. That will give players such as Adin Huntington, Tyreak Sapp and Travis Bell a chance to make an impression.
In the secondary, with cornerback Damarri Mathis on injured reserve after leaving practice on a cart Tuesday, and Myles Bryant and D’Angelo Ross missing recent practices, Tre Avery, Nate Evans and newcomer Jeremiah McClendon could receive extended playing time. Backup safety Christopher Edmonds has three interceptions during camp, which was the most by any Browns defender.
At wide receiver, Jerry Jeudy, Isaiah Bond, and rookies KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston are guaranteed roster spots. Jamari Thrash was waived with an injury designation, leaving a group led by Cedric Tillman and including Malachi Corley, Gage Larvadain, Luke Floriea and Tylan Wallace competing for possibly one remaining spot. Tillman was a new practice absence on Wednesday.
Fans may have to watch well into the second half to see some of these players in action, but it could give a good indication of what the Browns’ full roster will look like for Week 1 of the regular season.
NEXT: Key Browns Unit Poised To Benefit Most From Preseason Games
