Cleveland wrapped up its joint practice session against Buffalo on Thursday, and the intensity level lived up to the billing surrounding what many considered the single most important practice of the entire training camp. Both quarterbacks split first-team reps against genuinely unfamiliar competition for the first time all summer, the offensive line delivered one of its more encouraging performances of camp, and the physical nature of the session even resulted in an injury scare along the defensive line. Todd Monken addressed the overall tenor of the practice afterward, offering a candid assessment of exactly the kind of energy he wants to see from his roster heading into Saturday’s preseason matchup.
Monken explained why the competitive edge on display throughout Thursday’s session struck the right balance for a joint practice environment.
“It got a little edgy, but not over the top. And that’s exactly what you’re looking for. Guys wanna compete. They got a lot of pride in the way they perform,” Monken said.
Todd Monken was fired up about the way the #Browns practiced with the #Bills Thursday in Berea. pic.twitter.com/h1rxM4L4Io
— Jeff Schudel (@jsproinsider) August 20, 2026
Shedeur Sanders finished 13 of 23 without a touchdown or turnover, while Watson went 12 of 17 with a touchdown and an interception. Dillon Gabriel added an efficient 4 of 7, and Taylen Green made his most productive appearance of the summer, going a perfect 3 of 3 with a touchdown in limited action.
BROWNS VS BILLS JOINT PRACTICE IS A WRAP! Here’s how the QBs performed in team drills (11v11 and 7v7). Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders split 1st team reps. pic.twitter.com/qabPuUspyc
— ESPN Cleveland (@ESPNCleveland) August 20, 2026
Perhaps the most significant development from the entire session came from the offensive line’s performance as the standout storyline of the day. Given how much scrutiny that unit has faced throughout camp, holding up against a different opponent’s pass rushers while also flashing moments in the run game represents genuine progress.
“Most positive development to me for the Browns at the joint practice with the Bills was the performance of the offensive line. They held their own against some quality pass rushers and had moments in the run game. Definitely something to build on,” Daniel Oyefusi wrote.
Most positive development to me for the Browns at the joint practice with the Bills was the performance of the offensive line. They held their own against some quality pass rushers and had moments in the run game.
Definitely something to build on.
— Daniel Oyefusi (@DanielOyefusi) August 20, 2026
The physical nature Monken referenced did carry real consequences, however. Alex Wright injured his ankle during the session, with trainers examining him for approximately five minutes before he was ultimately carted off the field.
Wright’s injury adds another name to a training camp that has already dealt with its share of physical setbacks across multiple position groups, from the offensive line to Mike Hall Jr.’s recent return from a nearly three-week absence. Losing any depth along the defensive line carries weight given how much this unit has accomplished throughout camp.
With Saturday’s preseason home opener against Buffalo now just days away, and Cleveland reportedly targeting a decision on its starting quarterback shortly after that game concludes, Thursday’s joint practice offered one final substantive evaluation opportunity before this closely watched competition reaches its conclusion.
NEXT: Shedeur Sanders Reveals What He Learned From Last Season
