克利夫兰布朗队首年主教练托德·蒙肯宣布了球队的季前赛首发四分卫安排[1]。德肖恩·沃特森将在周六对阵芝加哥熊队的季前赛首场比赛中首发，这是他自2024年10月20日以来时隔22个月的首次比赛[1]。谢德尔·桑德斯则将在下周8月22日对阵水牛城比尔队的第二场季前赛中首发[1]。两名四分卫整个训练营都在争夺球队的首发四分卫位置[1]。
沃特森在2023年遭遇赛季报销的肩伤，2024年两次撕裂跟腱[1]。布朗队在2022年与沃特森签署了完全保障的2.3亿美元合同[1]。桑德斯是2025年五轮秀，新秀赛季已首发7场比赛[1]。球队常规赛将于9月13日对阵杰克逊维尔美洲虎队揭幕[1]。
Cleveland Browns first-year head coach Todd Monken announced that Deshaun Watson will start Saturday's preseason game against the Chicago Bears, marking his first appearance since October 20, 2024 [1]. The quarterback will be followed by rookie Shedeur Sanders, who is scheduled to start the team's second preseason contest against the Buffalo Bills on August 22 [1].
Watson's return comes after an extended absence spanning 22 months [1]. The Browns signed Watson to a fully guaranteed $230 million contract in 2022 [1]. In recent seasons, Watson sustained a season-ending shoulder injury in 2023 and two torn Achilles tendons in 2024 [1]. Watson previously received an 11-game NFL suspension in 2022 following allegations of sexual harassment and improper conduct [1].
Sanders, selected in the fifth round of the 2025 draft, has appeared in seven starts during his rookie season [1]. The Browns' regular season begins September 13 against the Jacksonville Jaguars [1].