Monken will name the Browns' Week 1 starter Monday; Watson leads, Shedeur waits
Browns head coach Todd Monken said he plans to announce his Week 1 starting quarterback on Monday, and that Deshaun Watson's emotional postgame remarks about the fans will not factor into the call. Thursday's preseason finale is set for Dillon Gabriel and Taylen Green.
The Cleveland Browns' quarterback competition finally has a clock on it. Head coach Todd Monken told reporters Sunday that he plans to name his Week 1 starter on Monday — and that Deshaun Watson's emotional postgame remarks about the fans will not influence the decision. Monken characterized Watson's comments as simply emptying his heart, adding, "None of us like to be booed."
Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter): Browns HC Todd Monken told reporters today that he plans to announce his Week 1 starting quarterback on Monday.
The choice is expected to come down to Watson and Shedeur Sanders. Reporting out of Cleveland indicates Monken still sounds as if he is leaning toward Watson as QB1, but the staff is keeping the door open until the deadline. What is settled: the preseason is effectively over for the veterans. Thursday night's finale against the Rams will be Dillon Gabriel and Taylen Green at quarterback, with no further game action planned for Watson or Shedeur Sanders.
For a team that has churned through its quarterback room all summer, the Monday announcement will at least close the loop on the most-watched storyline of camp. The Browns open the regular season against the Cincinnati Bengals on September 13.