Browns name Deshaun Watson as their opening-day quarterback
Cleveland will begin the season with Deshaun Watson under center, leaving rookie Shedeur Sanders to wait for another chance.
The Cleveland Browns will start Deshaun Watson at quarterback when the season opens, coach Todd Monken said Monday. The decision puts rookie Shedeur Sanders behind him on the depth chart for now.
Monken said Watson will get the first opportunity after the team evaluated its options during camp. The move sets the Browns' initial plan at the game's most important position before the regular season begins.
Sanders, who had been part of the competition, will not open the year as the starter. The Browns have not said whether the order could change later in the season.
The announcement comes as Cleveland finalizes its roster choices ahead of Week 1, with the quarterback job drawing the most attention. Watson's assignment gives the Browns a clear starting point as they prepare for the opener.
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