Browns Announce Final QB Decision Following Shedeur Sanders Move

USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

Browns Announce Final QB Decision Following Shedeur Sanders Move

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Yagya Bhargava | Last updated Sep 13, 2026 12:30 PM ET

Deshaun Watson and the Cleveland Browns are set to open the 2026 NFL season on the road against the Jacksonville Jaguars, officially kicking off the Todd Monken era. Watson, who could see his first NFL action in 693 days, will be backed by Shedeur Sanders.

Monken settled the quarterback competition after evaluating both passers all preseason, sticking with Watson’s experience to lead the offense. Sixth-round rookie Taylen Green pushed for a role of his own, torching the New England Patriots for 27 passing yards and 66 rushing yards on eight carries, including a 30-yard scramble out of his own end zone.

Green’s finale performance was hard to ignore, as he directed a 98-yard touchdown drive during Cleveland’s 37-13 win. It left fans wondering whether the rookie could factor into Monken’s Week 1 plans in some way, even with Watson entrenched as the starter and Sanders set as his backup.

Cleveland Browns quarterback Taylen Green (15) at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

The answer came when the Browns released their Week 1 inactive list, and Green’s name was on it, confirming Watson and Sanders as the only two quarterbacks active for the opener.

Green was ruled out alongside linebacker Justin Jefferson, cornerbacks Noah Igbinoghene and Toriano Pride Jr., safety Daniel Thomas, center Parker Brailsford and guard Teven Jenkins.

NFL teams can dress up to 48 players on game day, with at least eight required to be offensive linemen. Inactive lists are due 90 minutes before kickoff and typically list five to seven names, depending on roster elevations.

The Browns would next turn their attention to Week 2, traveling to face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on September 20, 2026, at 1 p.m. ET at Raymond James Stadium.