Browns Coach Outlines Quarterback Rep Plan as Shedeur Sanders Set to Start Second Preseason Game

Head coach Todd Monken detailed a split-practice routine for the two quarterbacks. He said the Browns will give Shedeur Sanders reps on Monday and Wednesday, while Deshaun Watson will work on Tuesday and Thursday, with both sharing Thursday’s session. Monken also noted a joint practice with the Buffalo Bills on Thursday before the teams meet in the preseason matchup.

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• “I think we’re going to go Shedeur on Monday and Wednesday, and Deshaun [on] Tuesday and Thursday, but Thursday is really both,” — Todd Monken, browns head coach — Monken outlining the weekly quarterback practice cadence.

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In the opening preseason game against the Chicago Bears, Watson completed 11 of 15 passes for 126 yards but lost a fumble on a sack. Sanders entered in the third quarter, completing 6 of 11 passes for 79 yards with one interception; he connected on a 35-yard pass to Luke Floriea but did not lead a scoring drive. The Browns fell 34-10.

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Monken praised Sanders’ progress, especially his pocket-climbing and ability to work through progressions, while acknowledging that pre-snap operation still needs refinement. He emphasized that both quarterbacks must improve ball security and overall execution.

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• “I mean he really has in terms of climbing the pocket and working through his progressions. Even on the one he threw to 81 [Luke Floriea] in the slot, like he drifted too deep,” — Todd Monken, browns head coach — Monken on Sanders’ pocket work and progression handling.

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• “He’s improved so much. He really has in terms of climbing the pocket and working through his progressions,” — Todd Monken, browns head coach — Monken on the overall improvement Sanders has shown.

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Monken also stressed the importance of competition, stating the opportunity is “relatively close” for both players and that the upcoming game offers a fair chance to evaluate them.

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• “Again, I did feel going into the last game that it was relatively close in terms of both having an opportunity at the starting position,” — Todd Monken, browns head coach — Monken on the competitive balance between the two quarterbacks.

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As scheduled, Shedeur Sanders will start the Browns’ second preseason game against the Buffalo Bills on August 22. The coaching staff plans to give Sanders extensive first-team exposure in the days leading up to the game, with him participating in Monday’s “shells” practice and Wednesday’s short-squad session, while Watson receives first-team reps on Tuesday. Both will share Thursday’s joint practice with the Bills.

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The Browns aim to assess which quarterback can “throw the football, be effective” and improve in run-game coordination and protection schemes before the regular season.

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