Browns Coach Opens Door for Rookie QB Taylen Green in Week 1

Cleveland entered the 2024 season with Deshaun Watson named the starter, Shedeur Sanders as the primary backup, and rookie Taylen Green competing for a role. After second-year quarterback Dillon Gabriel was placed on injured reserve, Green secured a spot on the 53-man roster. Head coach Todd Monken has repeatedly emphasized that his decisions are driven by “what’s best for the Browns” rather than fan sentiment, noting on September 2 that he gave fan opinion “zero consideration” when choosing Watson over Sanders.

HeavyTodd Monken just opened the door for Taylen Green to crash the Browns' Week 1 plans Bleacher Report

• Green was a sixth-round pick out of Arkansas.

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• At the NFL scouting combine he recorded a 4.36-second 40-yard dash, the fastest by a quarterback since 2003.

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• In his preseason debut he rushed for 66 yards on eight carries in a 37-13 win over the New England Patriots.

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These metrics underscore the athletic profile that Monken highlighted after the preseason game.

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Monken told reporters that the Browns could install a specific package for Green in the season opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars. He also said the team might carry three quarterbacks on the active roster, though he acknowledged that “three is a lot.” The coach reiterated that his quarterback decisions will remain focused on the team’s needs throughout the season.

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ESPN analyst Seth Walder projected on September 6 that Green will start at least four games, suggesting that Sanders could be benched later in the season. No official Browns statement confirms a planned start count for Green, leaving the prediction unverified.

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• “Could be. There could be a package where we have him,” — Todd Monken, head coach

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• “If we can afford it, it would be nice to have five or six quarterbacks up,” — Todd Monken, head coach

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• “That's what he is, just a tremendous athlete that [is] highly intelligent,” — Todd Monken, head coach

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• “Will Taylen Green see the field Week 1? Todd Monken: 'Could be. There could be a package where we have him.' So you'd dress three QB? 'If we could afford it, it would be nice to have five or six quarterbacks up. But, three's a lot,'” — Andrew Siciliano

Todd Monken just opened the door for Taylen Green to crash the Browns' Week 1 plans

• The Browns are scheduled to face the Jacksonville Jaguars on September 13, the game in which Monken indicated Green could see a package of plays.

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• The September 6 prediction about Green starting a quarter of the season remains a forecast rather than a confirmed plan.

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