Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders isn’t starting today against the Jacksonville Jaguars because the Browns selected Deshaun Watson as their starting quarterback for Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season.
Sanders is not being kept out of the starting lineup because of an injury. Instead, Cleveland’s decision came after a quarterback competition that extended through the offseason, training camp and preseason.
Head coach Todd Monken ultimately decided Watson gave Cleveland the best opportunity to open the season with a victory.
However, Sanders is expected to be available as Cleveland’s backup quarterback, meaning he could still make an appearance against Jacksonville.
The Browns vs Jaguars game kicks off at 1:00 PM ET today, Sunday, September 13, 2026, at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville.
Why Isn’t Shedeur Sanders Starting Today?
Shedeur Sanders isn’t starting today because Deshaun Watson won the Browns’ starting quarterback job.
Cleveland evaluated Watson and Sanders throughout training camp, practices and the preseason before making its decision.
Monken indicated the competition was close but ultimately believed Watson provided the Browns with their best option entering Week 1.
The decision means Sanders begins the 2026 regular season behind Watson on Cleveland’s quarterback depth chart.
Is Shedeur Sanders Injured?
No. Shedeur Sanders isn’t sitting because of an injury.
His status against Jacksonville is primarily the result of Cleveland’s quarterback depth-chart decision.
That distinction is important because Sanders should remain available if the Browns need him during the game.
Unlike players who are ruled out because of injuries, Sanders could potentially enter the matchup depending on how the game develops.
Who Is Starting at Quarterback for the Browns Today?
Deshaun Watson is starting at quarterback for the Cleveland Browns against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Watson earned the Week 1 assignment after competing with Sanders for the position during the offseason.
Monken cited Watson’s ability to operate Cleveland’s offense and give the team an opportunity to consistently move the football and score points.
Playing the season opener on the road also factored into Cleveland’s evaluation, including the quarterback’s ability to manage communication and the silent cadence in a hostile environment.
Is Shedeur Sanders Playing Today vs Jaguars?
Sanders is expected to be active as Cleveland’s backup quarterback, meaning there is still a possibility he could play against Jacksonville.
However, Sanders is not expected to receive significant playing time as long as Watson remains healthy and effective.
He could potentially enter the game if Watson suffers an injury, Cleveland makes a performance-related quarterback change or the game situation allows the Browns to use their backup.
Therefore, Sanders fans shouldn’t necessarily expect to see him on the field simply because he is active.
Is Shedeur Sanders the Browns’ Backup Quarterback?
Yes, Sanders is expected to serve as Cleveland’s No. 2 quarterback behind Watson against Jacksonville.
There had been some uncertainty surrounding the backup position because the Browns also have rookie quarterback Taylen Green.
Cleveland considered potentially using Green in a specialized package of plays.
However, Monken indicated leading into Week 1 that Sanders was in line to serve as Watson’s primary backup.
That puts Sanders one play away from potentially entering the game if something happens to Cleveland’s starter.
Why Did Deshaun Watson Beat Shedeur Sanders for the Starting Job?
The Browns’ quarterback competition wasn’t determined by one preseason performance.
Cleveland evaluated the quarterbacks across the entire offseason, including training camp practices, joint practices and preseason games.
Monken ultimately determined Watson gave Cleveland the best overall chance to successfully operate the offense entering the regular season.
Experience was also a factor.
Watson has extensive NFL starting experience, while Sanders is still developing early in his professional career.
Cleveland therefore decided to begin the season with the veteran while keeping Sanders available behind him.
Could Shedeur Sanders Replace Deshaun Watson?
Yes, Sanders could eventually replace Watson if circumstances change during the season.
Starting Week 1 doesn’t guarantee Watson will remain Cleveland’s quarterback for all 17 regular-season games.
His performance will be closely watched, particularly because Sanders gives Cleveland another option if the offense struggles.
An injury to Watson could also immediately push Sanders into the starting lineup.
For now, however, Cleveland has made it clear that Watson is its starter and Sanders begins the season as the backup.
When Could Shedeur Sanders Play?
There are several scenarios that could result in Sanders seeing the field.
The most obvious would be an injury to Watson. As the expected backup, Sanders would likely enter if Watson were unable to continue.
Cleveland could also make a quarterback change if Watson struggles significantly.
Sanders could additionally receive playing time late in a game if the outcome has already been decided.
Unless one of those situations develops, Watson is expected to handle Cleveland’s quarterback snaps against Jacksonville.
Browns Quarterback Depth Chart vs Jaguars
Cleveland’s quarterback situation entering Week 1 is expected to feature Deshaun Watson as the starter and Shedeur Sanders as the primary backup.
Taylen Green provides the Browns with another young quarterback option and could potentially have a specialized role depending on Cleveland’s game plan.
The biggest storyline, however, will be whether Watson performs well enough to quiet questions about when Sanders could get his opportunity.
Browns vs Jaguars Week 1 Game Information
| Game Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Matchup | Cleveland Browns at Jacksonville Jaguars |
| Week | NFL Week 1 |
| Date | Sunday, September 13, 2026 |
| Kickoff | 1:00 PM ET |
| Location | EverBank Stadium, Jacksonville |
| Browns Starting QB | Deshaun Watson |
| Shedeur Sanders Status | Expected backup |
Will Shedeur Sanders Start for the Browns in 2026?
Although Sanders isn’t starting Week 1, the possibility of him starting at some point during the 2026 NFL season remains very real.
Much will depend on Watson’s performance and Cleveland’s record during the opening portion of the schedule.
If Watson plays well and the Browns win games, Cleveland will have little reason to make a quarterback change.
If the offense struggles, however, pressure could quickly increase for the Browns to give Sanders an opportunity.
That makes Cleveland’s quarterback situation one of the more intriguing storylines to monitor during the early weeks of the 2026 NFL season.
Final Takeaway
Shedeur Sanders isn’t starting today against the Jacksonville Jaguars because the Cleveland Browns chose Deshaun Watson as their Week 1 starting quarterback — not because Sanders is injured.
Sanders is expected to serve as Cleveland’s backup, leaving open the possibility that he could enter the game if Watson is injured or the Browns decide to make a quarterback change.
For now, Watson gets the first opportunity to lead Cleveland’s offense, while Sanders waits for his chance to take the field during the 2026 NFL season.