Watson Gets Nod for Browns' Preseason Opener vs Bears
Source: NBC Chicago Sports. Casualplayhub News adds summary, context, and editorial framing while linking back to the original report.
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The Cleveland Browns are heading into their preseason opener against the Chicago Bears with a clear plan under center. Head coach Todd Monken, in his first season leading the team, has chosen Deshaun Watson to start Saturday's game at Soldier Field, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. The decision, delivered to the quarterbacks during a team meeting, signals a cautious but deliberate approach to the quarterback competition that has defined Cleveland's offseason.
Watson's return to game action is a milestone. The veteran quarterback tore his Achilles tendon during the 2024 season, sidelining him for the remainder of that year and most of the subsequent recovery period. Now, nearly two years later, he is set to take the field in a live game setting. In parts of three seasons with the Browns, Watson has started 19 games, amassing 3,365 passing yards and 19 touchdowns. Saturday's start offers a chance to test his mobility and command of Monken's offense under pressure.
Shedeur Sanders, who entered the league with considerable hype after a standout college career, will not be idle. Monken has already designated Sanders to start the second preseason game at home against the Buffalo Bills the following week. That arrangement gives both quarterbacks meaningful reps while allowing the coaching staff to evaluate their performances in separate contexts. Sanders played in eight games as a rookie, starting seven, and threw for 1,400 yards, seven touchdowns, and ten interceptions. His development remains a key storyline for a franchise that invested heavily in the quarterback position.
The Browns' preseason schedule also provides a logistical challenge: back-to-back games in different venues, with the opener on the road in Chicago and the second game at Cleveland's home stadium. Monken's decision to split the starts suggests he values giving each quarterback a full week of preparation tailored to the opposing defense. Watson, with his experience, may face a more complex Bears scheme, while Sanders will get a chance to rally the team in front of the home crowd.
For the Bears, head coach Ben Johnson has kept his cards close. He has not announced who will start at quarterback for Chicago's preseason opener. The Bears, coming off a season of transition, are also evaluating their roster, particularly at the quarterback position. Saturday's game at noon will be the first opportunity for both teams to test their depth and schemes in a competitive environment.
Watson's participation in the preseason opener is particularly significant given the length of his absence. The Browns have been deliberate in his rehabilitation, and the team's medical staff has cleared him for full contact. The game will serve as a critical checkpoint for his recovery, with the regular season just weeks away. Sanders, meanwhile, will look to build on his rookie campaign, aiming to reduce turnovers and demonstrate improved decision-making.
The quarterback competition in Cleveland has been one of the most closely watched storylines of the preseason. Monken, known for his offensive creativity, has not publicly tipped his hand regarding the long-term starter. The preseason games will likely provide the first concrete evidence of where each quarterback stands. With two starts scheduled across the next two weeks, both Watson and Sanders have a clear opportunity to make their case.
As the Browns travel to Chicago, the focus remains on the health and performance of their quarterbacks. The Bears' defense, featuring a revamped front seven, will present a stiff test. For Watson, it is a chance to prove he can still play at an elite level. For Sanders, it is a chance to show growth. And for Monken, it is the beginning of a season-long evaluation that will define his first year at the helm.
Article commentary
The Cleveland Browns' decision to start Deshaun Watson in the preseason opener against the Chicago Bears carries multiple layers of significance. On the surface, it is a straightforward selection of a veteran quarterback over a second-year player. But beneath that lies a complex calculus involving injury recovery, team dynamics, and the pressure of a new coaching regime. Watson's return from an Achilles tear is the most critical variable. Achilles injuries can be career-altering for quarterbacks, who rely on footwork, mobility, and the ability to escape pressure. Watson's athleticism has always been a cornerstone of his game, and his ability to regain that explosiveness will determine whether he can recapture his pre-injury form. The preseason opener, while not a high-stakes game, will serve as a vital test of his physical readiness. If Watson struggles to move or shows hesitation, the Browns may face a difficult decision about the regular-season starter. Shedeur Sanders' role in this scenario is equally important. As a rookie, he showed flashes of talent but also typical growing pains, with a 10-interception season in limited action. The Browns invested in him as a long-term project, but the presence of a veteran like Watson complicates the timeline. By giving Sanders the second preseason start, Monken is signaling that he values development over immediate competition. That approach could pay dividends if Sanders continues to improve, but it also risks creating a perception that the job is Watson's to lose, rather than an open competition. From a coaching perspective, Monken's decision reflects a pragmatic approach to preseason management. Splitting the starts allows both quarterbacks to work with the first-team offense in different game situations, providing the coaching staff with a broader data set. Watson faces the Bears' defense, which is expected to be a middle-of-the-pack unit, while Sanders will go against the Bills, a team with a stronger defensive reputation. That contrast will help the staff evaluate how each quarterback handles different levels of pressure. The Bears, meanwhile, are in a state of flux. Ben Johnson's silence on the starting quarterback for the preseason opener suggests he is still evaluating his own options. Chicago's quarterback situation is less settled than Cleveland's, and the Bears may use the preseason to audition multiple players. That uncertainty could work to the Browns' advantage, as Watson will face a defense that may not yet have a clear identity. Looking ahead, the broader implications for the Browns are significant. The team has playoff aspirations, and the quarterback position will be the fulcrum of their success. If Watson returns to form, the Browns could be a contender in the AFC. If he struggles, the team will have to decide whether to turn to Sanders sooner rather than later. The preseason games will not provide definitive answers, but they will offer clues. Ultimately, this decision is a calculated risk by Monken. He is betting that Watson's experience and talent will outweigh the unknowns of his recovery. At the same time, he is protecting Sanders from the pressure of a premature promotion. The next two weeks will reveal whether that bet pays off, but for now, the Browns have a clear plan—and a quarterback ready to execute it.