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Monken Names Watson Week 1 Starter, Barber Starting Guard

9/9/2026

Summary

Monken Rotates Captains

Head coach Todd Monken said rookie Taylen Green could be active for Week 1.
Deshaun Watson will start at quarterback, with Shedeur Sanders as primary backup.
Monken will rotate captains, naming two offensive, two defensive and one special-teams player each game.
Week-1 captains are Deshaun Watson, Zion Johnson, Mason Graham, Tyson Campbell, Rex Sunahara.
Rookie Austin Barber will start at right guard after earning the highest PFF grades in preseason.

Summary

Monken Defends Watson

Coach Monken says fan criticism of Watson’s starter status does not affect his decision, prioritizing performance.
He notes the Browns’ $230 million final-year contract with Watson must be maximized despite past controversies.
Monken contrasts his unfiltered approach with predecessor Kevin Stefanski, saying he openly discusses quarterback choices.
He says Watson’s post-preseason remarks showed remorse and called the issue a “speed-bump.”

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Monken Rotates Captains

Head coach Todd Monken said rookie Taylen Green could be active for Week 1.
Deshaun Watson will start at quarterback, with Shedeur Sanders as primary backup.
Monken will rotate captains, naming two offensive, two defensive and one special-teams player each game.
Week-1 captains are Deshaun Watson, Zion Johnson, Mason Graham, Tyson Campbell, Rex Sunahara.
Rookie Austin Barber will start at right guard after earning the highest PFF grades in preseason.

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