Browns HC reveals Shedeur Sanders plan after first preseason game

The Cleveland Browns, in the first week of the preseason, in their game against the Chicago Bears, started Deshaun Watson for a half.

Shedeur Sanders got into the game later, but with the backups, not the first-team offense as Watson did. He, understandably, struggled a bit. But what is the plan for the second week of the preseason?

ESPN's Daniel Oyefusi reported that Browns head coach Todd Monken's plan is not changing from before the preseason opener. Sanders will start in Week 2 and get the first half as Watson did in Saturday's preseason game against the Bears.

Browns HC reveals Sanders and Watson plan for Bills preseason game

"Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders will split first-team reps in joint practices with the Bills," Oyefusi reports. "Sanders will start preseason game vs. Buffalo. Watson will play third quarter, Dillon will play Q4."

This report from Oyefusi at Monken's post-game presser reveals to Browns fans what they were likely expecting to hear.

Even though Watson outplayed Sanders in the first preseason game, it was with two entirely different offenses, and the Browns now want to see how Sanders works with the No. 1s.

Watson went 11/15 for 126 yards, no touchdowns, no interceptions, one sack, and four yards rushing, with one fumble lost, with the starting offense in the first half of preseason week 1.

MORE: Why Shedeur Sanders vs. Deshaun Watson QB competition is taking so long for Browns

When the Browns face the Bills in next week's preseason game, Sanders will be the first-half starter, getting a chance to run with the first-team offense instead of the backups.

He'll look to play a lot better than he did against the Bears, when he went 6/11 for 79 yards with no touchdowns and one interception on a badly overthrown pass.

This QB competition is lasting a long time, as Monken is trying to see what his best option will be for the 2026 season between Watson and Sanders.

So far, it's looking like it's Watson's job to lose. But a stellar preseason Week 2 from Sanders could have him right back in the mix.

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