In a significant move for the
This upcoming exhibition marks a pivotal moment for Watson, who has not played since suffering a torn right Achilles tendon in October 2024. After undergoing a second surgery on the same tendon in January 2025, he missed the entire 2025 season. Monken expressed his intention to have the starting quarterback play for one half of the game, with the non-starter taking the reins in the third quarter. Watson views this preseason as a crucial opportunity, having participated in only 19 games since being traded to the Browns in March 2022 due to suspensions and injuries.
“I’m super excited,” Watson remarked on Wednesday. “The hard work I’ve put in with the training staff and my personal team has been tremendous. I can’t wait for these opportunities.” Despite his enthusiasm, Watson's performance metrics have raised concerns; his Total QBR of 33.1 would rank last among qualifying quarterbacks if he had enough starts to be considered.
Shedeur Sanders' Development
Shedeur Sanders, selected 144th overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, is also looking to make a mark after starting the last seven games of his rookie season. He finished that season with a record of 3-4, throwing seven touchdowns against ten interceptions, and added a rushing touchdown. His QBR of 18.9 was notably low, placing him among the bottom tier of quarterbacks with at least 200 attempts since 2006. However, coaches have commended Sanders for his growth, particularly in his pre- and post-snap decision-making during offseason workouts.
“We approach practice like a game,” Sanders stated on Wednesday. “The focus and experiences are the same, which is why I’m excited to see how similar it feels to practice. It’s a different type of intention and mentality we bring every day.” As the Browns prepare for their preseason games, both quarterbacks are eager to showcase their skills and solidify their roles within the team.
