Overview
- On Friday, coach Todd Monken confirmed Watson has taken most first-team snaps and will start the Browns’ Week 1 game in Jacksonville.
- The start will be Watson’s first regular-season game since October 2024 and places him on a short leash to prove he can play effectively.
- Cleveland is fielding a largely rebuilt offensive line with rookies at key spots and has early injuries, including guard Teven Jenkins listed out and center Parker Brailsford questionable.
- The Jaguars enter the game as favorites after fielding one of the NFL’s top defenses and the league’s best run defense last season, with kickoff at EverBank Stadium set for 1 p.m.
- The decision deepens an immediate evaluation for Watson and the Browns because the team’s strong defense led by Jared Verse now must cover for offensive uncertainty and a quarterback who may have limited time to secure his role.