Deshaun Watson Took Back All The First-Team Reps On Day 9

Things looked to get back to a normal routine at Cleveland Browns training camp on Friday, with Deshaun Watson taking all of the first-team reps at quarterback. The day before, he split those reps with Shedeur Sanders as they remain engaged in their competition for the starting job.

The switch could be seen as significant, or it could just be part of the plan head coach Todd Monken intended all along. With Watson and Sanders each reportedly taking the lead at various times during camp, it would be foolish to read anything definitive into it at this point.

Watson not only took back all of the first-team reps on Day 9, but he was the only QB to throw a touchdown pass, with two among his 23 attempts.

“Day 9 of Browns training camp is in the books. Here’s how each QB did in team drills (7v7 and 11v11). Deshaun Watson took all the 1st team reps,” ESPN Cleveland posted.

DAY 9 OF BROWNS TRAINING CAMP IS IN THE BOOKS. Here’s how each QB did in team drills (7v7 and 11v11). Deshaun Watson took all the 1st team reps. pic.twitter.com/xcxLuF0lkA

— ESPN Cleveland (@ESPNCleveland) August 7, 2026

Watson was 13-for-23 with two touchdowns and one interception. Sanders completed nine of 15 passes with one interception, and Dillon Gabriel was 4-of-6 with an interception.

The interceptions continue to be a troubling issue, but they could also be the result of going up against the Browns’ defense. Watson built on a very good practice he had on Wednesday, after he noticeably struggled in the early stages of camp.

Sanders, meanwhile, may be falling behind after closing the gap in the late stages of minicamps and OTAs. On Thursday, he did throw the only TD of the day, although he did have another interception.

All of this is leading to the next big indicator, which would be who starts for the Browns in their preseason opener against the Chicago Bears next Saturday. Signs are pointing to Watson getting that assignment, which could carry over to a joint practice and preseason game against the Buffalo Bills the following week. If that turns out to be the case, Sanders may be competing for the backup role against Gabriel rather than for that starting role against Watson.

It will be interesting if Sanders gets to take the first-team reps at the next practice, or if Watson will get the first back-to-back opportunity of camp.