The Cleveland Browns are now more than 10 days into training camp, still working through one of the more closely watched quarterback competitions in the league after a disappointing season.
Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders have been splitting first-team reps since practices opened, with no clear signal from the coaching staff on who holds the edge. That changed briefly on Saturday, when Watson took all of the first-team reps despite Sanders being scheduled to work with the starters.
Watson also turned in one of his sharper practices of camp, which only added to the uncertainty around a competition many had assumed was starting to tilt toward Sanders.
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Head coach Todd Monken addressed the shift on Monday, explaining that coaches noticed Sanders had picked up more first-team reps in recent sessions, prompting the adjustment. He was clear that the change was procedural, not a reflection of where the competition stands.
"That's all it was. I was like, 'Yeah, sure. We'll flip it, and then next week, we'll go the other way,'" Monken said. "Ultimately, Shedeur is going to go today with the ones unless, on the way out, I change my mind, and then he won't."
Monken reiterated that the battle remains open. Watson and Sanders are each set to start one of Cleveland's first two preseason games, and the team plans to hold off on naming a starter until after both have played.
Sanders appeared in eight games in 2025, throwing seven touchdowns against 10 interceptions with a 68.1 quarterback rating for a team that finished 5-12.
"As long as we're still sharing reps, it's a competition," Monken added. "When I know what we're going to be doing, you'll know."
Monken also touched on two rookies stepping into larger roles. Spencer Fano, taken ninth overall, will no longer split time with Dawand Jones and is set to work primarily with the first-team offense.
Denzel Boston, selected No. 39 overall, is also moving up to work with the starters.
