BEREA — If this is Shedeur Sanders’ last stand in the quarterback competition, he’s not approaching it that way.
The Browns will have a joint practice with the Bills on Thursday, then play them Saturday in the second preseason game. Sanders and Deshaun Watson will split first-team repetitions in the practice, then Sanders will start Saturday and play the first half, with Watson taking over for the third quarter.
Coach Todd Monken would “love” to name his starter for Week 1 by Monday — ahead of the preseason finale against the Patriots — and the popular opinion has Watson the favorite to get the nod. Sanders could have only three days left to change that.
“Every day of my life’s important,” Sanders said Wednesday when asked about Saturday. “So that’s just another day going out there doing what I got to do, honestly. I don’t really feel anxiety or any pressure going into things like that anymore because that’s how I approach everything. So it’s just another day of going to work. That’s all it is for me.”
Browns QB Shedeur Sanders said he’s approaching start Saturday like any other day. No extra importance or anxiety. pic.twitter.com/UTGvDEbunQ
— Scott Petrak ct (@ScottPetrak) August 19, 2026
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He’s tried to downplay the competition with Watson throughout the offseason and training camp, focusing on individual improvement and promoting team chemistry. He’s impressed Monken with his ability to connect on downfield passes but needs to continue getting quicker and smoother with the pre-snap operation, where Watson’s experience gives him an advantage.
Todd Monken stops practice early, furious over hits by defense
Sanders entered in the third quarter Saturday in the loss to the Bears in the preseason opener and played three series. He went 6-for-11 for 79 yards with an interception.
He said he was most pleased with how he felt on the field.
“The feeling I had out there, the comfort I had, and it felt truly exciting to get to that place and know that place is there,” he said. “That’s what I’m most excited about, being out there.”
Watson started and played the first half vs. the Bears, completing 11 of 15 passes for 126 yards. He hadn’t played in a game since his Achilles tendon ruptured in October 2024 and said his body held up well.
“Of course, getting hit a little bit, the next day I was a little bit sore, but that’s typical football, nothing I was surprised about,” he said. “Just being able to continue to stay on top of that, just making sure I’m ready for each and every opportunity that I get.”
He said he’s not expecting “anything” regarding a possible decision from Monken as early as Sunday.
“I’m taking one day at a time, and whatever comes, that’s how we’re going to go about the situation,” Watson said.
Browns QB Deshaun Watson on joint practice with Bills on Thursday. pic.twitter.com/bV4MWWH1TO
— Scott Petrak ct (@ScottPetrak) August 19, 2026
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The joint practice has the potential to be the clincher.
“Every opportunity, for me, I just want to go out there and prove that I’m capable of being the starter,” he said. “But as far as nailing it, my main focus is just trying to improve. I’m not really focused on the competition. I think the front office and Coach Monken are going to make that decision based on how they’re going to make it, so I can’t really control that as far as what they want to go with, but I can control my opportunities and my reps that I get and being successful with that.”
If he does win the job, Watson knows what he’ll feel.
“Just really proud of myself,” he said. “The biggest thing I’m proud of is just my mental, being able to block out the noise, being able to keep smiling through everything.”
The Bills will offer a stern overall test for the Browns, including the quarterbacks. Buffalo had the NFL’s No. 1 pass defense last year. Cleveland’s defense, which ranked third against the pass last year, has given the offense fits throughout camp.
“A good one-on-one battle, get to show a lot of different things, get to see a lot of different looks from their defense, and see where we’re tested and where we can be at this year,” Watson said.
The Bills bring a 3-4 defensive system, while the Browns run a 4-3.
“It’s great to get those practice reps in and make it feel as close as possible to the game,” Sanders said. “I’m truly excited about it. I know they have a great defense, a great challenge ahead, and I’m just happy to be able to be a part of it.”
They might never be on the same field together Thursday, but Sanders appreciates the greatness of Bills quarterback Josh Allen, the NFL MVP in 2024.
“I met him a couple times in the past through and he’s always been cool, so I always respect him fully,” Sanders said. “He plays a great game, and his style of play fits him perfectly. I like that about him.”
When the game arrives Saturday, most of the starters won’t play for either team. Sanders will work with mostly second-teamers, while Watson will be with the bottom of the roster.
“You have to bring those guys up that are either new, rookies and younger guys that don’t have a lot of experience, try to bring them up to speed,” Watson said. “And if you can execute at that level, then I think you’re doing a pretty good job of leading and taking charge.
“Anytime we’re out there on the field in live game action, it’s definitely good for anybody out there, especially myself playing quarterback, getting that feeling, the timing and rhythm back, is definitely a good opportunity.”
