Browns QB Battle Rages On — But the Rest of the Offense Is Set
Cleveland Browns Training Camp Update: Quarterback Battle and Roster Battles Heat Up
The Big Story: Two Quarterbacks, One Starting Job
The Cleveland Browns have finished two full weeks of training camp, and the biggest storyline remains the quarterback competition between veteran Deshaun Watson and rookie Shedeur Sanders.
IMPORTANT POINT: Head coach Todd Monken has announced a clear plan for the first two preseason games:
- Game 1 (vs. Chicago Bears, Saturday): Deshaun Watson starts
- Game 2 (vs. Buffalo Bills, Aug. 22): Shedeur Sanders starts
This gives both players a fair chance to show what they can do in real game situations.
Offensive Line: Rookies Rising, Veterans Competing
The offensive line (the players who protect the quarterback) is taking shape with some surprises:
Locked In Starters
- Left Tackle: Spencer Fano (rookie, 1st round pick) — won the job convincingly
- Center: Elgton Jenkins — when healthy, he’s the starter
- Left Guard: Already settled
Current Battles
| Position | Leader | Challenger | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Right Guard | Teven Jenkins | KT Leveston | Jenkins just returned from injury; Leveston started 7 games at tackle last year |
| Right Tackle | Dawand Jones (with 2nd team) | — | Jones moved here after losing LT job to Fano |
| Backup Center | Luke Wypler & Kingsley Eguakun | Parker Brailsford (injured) | Brailsford (rookie) out with hand injury |
IMPORTANT POINT: Third-round rookie Austin Barber is getting practice time at both left and right tackle — the coaching staff wants him versatile for the preseason games.
Wide Receivers: Rookies Shine, Veterans Fighting for Spots
The New Stars (First Team)
- KC Concepcion (rookie) — also likely the primary punt returner
- Denzel Boston (rookie) — arguably the most impressive offensive player all camp
- Jerry Jeudy (veteran) — established starter
Rising Fast
- Isaiah Bond (2nd year) — made the catch of camp on a deep sideline grab from Sanders
- Gage Larvadain — getting punt return reps in preseason
- Luke Floriea — productive for 2nd straight camp; likely practice squad candidate
On the Bubble
- Cedric Tillman — missed practice Wednesday (injury); roster spot uncertain
- Tylan Wallace — currently behind Bond and Larvadain in rotation
Running Backs: Clear Starter, Defined Roles
| Player | Role | Preseason Outlook |
|---|---|---|
| Quinshon Judkins | Clear #1 starter | Likely plays only 1st quarter Saturday |
| Dylan Sampson (rookie) | Pass-catching specialist | Heavy involvement in passing game drills |
| Rocket Sanders & Ahmani Marshall | Depth/backups | Will get bulk of carries after 1st quarter |
Tight End: One Star, Open Competition Behind Him
- Harold Fannin Jr. — "Rising star", clear #1
- Everyone behind him — No one has separated yet
Defense: Injury Bug Hits Hard
Cornerback Crisis
The Browns have lost multiple cornerbacks to injury:
- Damarri Mathis (July acquisition) — Season-ending injury
- Tyron Herring — Left practice early Wednesday (had INT Tuesday with starters)
- D’Angelo Ross & Myles Bryant (veterans) — Missed multiple days
Result: Three undrafted rookie corners (Nate Evans, Jeadyn Lukus, Michael Coats Jr.) will get extended playing time in Saturday’s preseason opener.
Defensive Tackle Concerns
- Maliek Collins (starter) — On PUP list (physically unable to perform), rehabbing quad injury from 2025
- Mike Hall Jr. & Kalia Davis — Missed multiple weeks
- Mason Graham (rookie) — Standout performer when healthy
Defensive End Depth Search
- Starters set: Jared Verse & Alex Wright
- #3: Isaiah McGuire (contract year)
- Still looking: Worked out Tyus Bowser (ex-Ravens) & Genard Avery (ex-Browns draft pick) Wednesday
- Missed on: A.J. Epenesa (deal fell through), Jadeveon Clowney (signed with Houston)
- Watch Saturday: Undrafted rookie Khordae Sydnor
Who’s Been Impressive Lately?
Camp Standouts (Recent Days)
| Player | Position | Why They Matter |
|---|---|---|
| Isaiah Bond | WR | Multiple big plays; deep threat potential |
| Isaiah McGuire | DE | Notable plays multiple days |
| Emmanuel McNeil-Warren | Safety (rookie) | Made plays on multiple days |
Early Camp Standouts (Week 1)
- Jared Verse (DE), Denzel Ward (CB), Mason Graham (DT), Quinshon Judkins (RB), Denzel Boston (WR)
Preseason Game 1 Plan: Everyone Plays (Mostly)
Coach Monken says all healthy players will participate Saturday vs. Chicago, though:
- Stars like Denzel Ward & Jared Verse — Likely very limited snaps (or none)
- Quarterbacks — Watson starts, Sanders plays after
- Young players — Maximum opportunity to make the 53-man roster
Summary: Key Takeaways After Two Weeks
- QB competition is structured: Watson Game 1, Sanders Game 2
- Rookie offensive linemen (Fano, maybe Barber) are winning jobs
- Rookie WRs Concepcion & Boston have earned starting roles
- Isaiah Bond is emerging as a vertical threat
- Cornerback depth is severely tested by injuries
- Defensive tackle remains a concern with Collins rehabbing
- Saturday’s preseason game will clarify many roster battles
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
Who will be the Week 1 starting quarterback?
We don’t know yet. Coach Monken is using the first two preseason games (Watson vs. Bears, Sanders vs. Bills) to evaluate both. The decision will likely come after seeing them in live game action.
Why are so many cornerbacks injured?
Football is a contact sport, and training camp is the first time players go full speed since last season. The Browns have had bad luck — four corners (Mathis, Herring, Ross, Bryant) are hurt, forcing undrafted rookies into action.
What does "PUP list" mean for Maliek Collins?
Physically Unable to Perform. He’s rehabbing a quad injury that ended his 2025 season early. He works out daily but can’t practice. The goal: ready for Week 1 regular season.
Will Luke Floriea make the team?
Probably not the initial 53-man roster, but he’s having a great camp for the second straight year. He’ll likely go to the practice squad (16 players who practice but don’t play games unless called up).
Why is the team trying out veteran pass rushers like Tyus Bowser?
The Browns have starters set (Verse, Wright) and a solid #3 (McGuire), but they need depth — extra players in case of injury or to rotate and keep starters fresh. They missed on Clowney and Epenesa, so they’re still looking.
Bottom Line: The Browns have exciting young talent emerging (especially at WR and OT), but injuries on defense and the quarterback decision remain the biggest question marks heading into the first preseason game.