Full Breakdown
Browns QB Competition Shifts as Watson Takes First-Team Reps on Aug 8 Practice
8/9/2026, 11:45:16 AM
Core Event: Unexpected Rep Shift on Aug 8 Practice
During the August 8, 2026 practice, head coach Todd Monken announced that Shedeur Sanders would receive the majority of first-team reps. Midway through the session, Deshaun Watson was given all first-team 11-on-11 snaps, moving Sanders to the second unit.
Background & Context
Since camp opened, the Browns have rotated Watson (veteran, 30) and Sanders (2022 first-round pick) as the “No. 1” offense, each getting full reps on designated days. The first ten practices installed Monken’s new scheme; the last two emphasized situational drills. Monken has said the preseason will determine the starter but has not set a fixed depth chart.
Data & Statistics
- Passing attempts: Watson 34, Sanders 20, Dillon Gabriel 12 (ESPN QB tracker).
- Touchdown passes: Watson connected with Isaiah Bond, Denzel Boston, and KC Concepcion in 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 drills.
- Reps distribution: Prior to Aug 8, Watson and Sanders averaged equal first-team snaps; the Aug 8 session gave Watson 100 % of first-team work, the clearest indication yet of a shift.
Official Statements & Responses
The Browns’ public-relations office said the change was to evaluate specific personnel groupings with Watson. Monken emphasized that the preseason game against the Chicago Bears on August 15 will be decided by a “full body of work,” not a single practice, and that win-loss outcomes in preseason will not dictate the regular-season starter.
Verbatim Quotes
- “You want to start to see competitive stamina,” — Todd Monken, head coach
- “Another set of 7-on-7s and Deshaun Watson is up first with the 1s,” — ESPN’s Daniel Oyefusi
- “Even in a preseason game, the win-loss won’t matter, but how we play is going to matter to me,” — Todd Monken
On-the-Ground Reports
Observers saw Watson lead a drive with completions to WR Jerry Jeudy and Boston, a big gain to WR Gage Larvadain, and a back-shoulder touchdown to Boston. Sanders, limited to second-team duties, threw to WR Kole Wilson and completed catches to TE Blake Whiteheart and WR Luke Floriea in 7-on-7 drills. Defensive highlights included DE Jared Verse sparring with LT Spencer Fano, which briefly escalated.
What’s Next
Monken indicated a decision on the preseason starter will be made by Monday, ahead of the August 15 Bears game. The Browns will host the Buffalo Bills on August 22 (after a joint practice on August 20) and finish the exhibition schedule against the New England Patriots on August 27. He reiterated that giving each quarterback a preseason start remains “in mind,” but all decisions remain subject to performance in the remaining drills and games.
