Following the Browns' loss to the Bills in the second preseason game on Saturday, head coach Todd Monken talked about what the upcoming week will look like.
Monken announced when he anticipates naming a starting quarterback, provided injury updates and projected personnel choices for the final preseason game against the Patriots on Thursday night.
Before Week 3 of preseason action, here are the main pieces of news.
Starting quarterback decision expected Monday
As the Browns head into Week 3 of the preseason, Monken revealed his timeline for naming the starting quarterback.
"I still have a few things to weigh out," Monken said. "We anticipate naming the starter tomorrow."
Throughout training camp, both QB Shedeur Sanders and QB Deshaun Watson have alternated days taking reps with the first team.
In the first preseason game against the Bears, Watson started and played the first half, finishing 11-for-15 for 126 yards. Sanders played the third quarter and finished his final drive in the fourth quarter, ending the game 6-for-11 with 79 yards and an interception.
Then, both Sanders and Watson split first-team reps during the Browns' joint practice with the Bills on Aug. 20. Sanders started against the Bills and played the first half, completing nine of his 11 passes for 74 yards with one touchdown and one interception. Watson played the third quarter and finished his final drive in the fourth quarter. Watson went 5-for-12 for 36 yards and one interception.
Monken explained the decision will be made based on each quarterback's total performance from training camp and the preseason.
"I think even with yesterday, we have to take in the full body of work," Monken said. "That's just one opportunity that they had on the field, both of them. Just like the week before was an opportunity. Just like the practices against the Bills were an opportunity to showcase their ability and other's ability and where they're at this point and where we're at as an offense."
Outlook on final preseason game
Cleveland will take the field for its final preseason matchup against the Patriots on Thursday, Aug. 27 at 8 p.m. Monken noted that he doesn't anticipate playing the starters, including the starting quarterback.
Yet, ahead of the matchup with New England, Monken also said that players are still competing for roster spots.
Monken added that rookie QB Taylen Green — who has not played in the Browns' first two preseason games — will play but won't start. In the joint practice, Green threw a touchdown pass to WR Tylan Wallace during an 11-on-11 red zone period and added a rushing touchdown on the next play.
"At this point, being Sunday, there are still roster spots to be had, and there's still a lot to play for," Monken said. "Whenever you take the field in a Browns uniform, there's the expectation of the name on the back of the jersey and the helmet, and what that stands for. So, to me, there's always a lot to play for, the product we put out there, and our players are still playing for spots. I'm excited to see Taylen Green play. I want to see him play and give him an opportunity to build on what he showed in the limited reps that he did get against the Bills."
Injury and roster updates
The Browns signed DE Derek Barnett on Sunday and placed DE Alex Wright on injured reserve. Monken said he is eager to see Barnett on the field and how the defensive end can make an impact for the Browns.
"I've been a big fan of his over the last few years, just watching him play with relentless effort and toughness, and what he brings to the table from what I've heard as a teammate," Monken said. "I'm excited to get out there and watch him compete."
Monken also provided injury updates on several players, including one on DT Maliek Collins, who has been on the Active/Physically Unable to Perform list since July 23 and hasn't practiced during training camp yet.
"We're hopeful we'll get (Collins) back this week," Monken said. "I think Mike (Michael) Burton will be back this week too. (Sam) Kamara being back, Sap (Tyreak Sapp) being back, D'Angelo Ross, hopefully, he's already started to come back a little. Carson (Schwesinger) will do a little more this week."
Browse action photos from the Browns' 2026 Preseason Week 2 game against the Buffalo Bills, featuring top plays and moments.
Wide receiver Luke Floriea (81) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive tackle Mike Hall Jr. (51) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Safety Donovan McMillon (31) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Linebacker Nathaniel Watson (40) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive tackle Mike Hall Jr. (51) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end Julian Okwara (99) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end Julian Okwara (99) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive tackle Elijah Chatman (62) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Linebacker Easton Mascarenas-Arnold and Defensive tackle Mike Hall Jr. (51) (42) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Head Coach Todd Monken during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren (28) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Cornerback Tre Avery (11) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Linebacker Easton Mascarenas-Arnold (42) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Linebacker Nathaniel Watson (40) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Cornerback Michael Coats Jr. (39) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Cornerback Michael Coats Jr. (39) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Running back Raheim Sanders (35) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Running back Raheim Sanders (35) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Isaiah Bond (0) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Isaiah Bond (0) and Tight end Carsen Ryan (48) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Quarterback Shedeur Sanders (2) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Quarterback Shedeur Sanders (2) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive back D'Angelo Ross (20) and Offensive tackle KT Leveston (72) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Quarterback Shedeur Sanders (2) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Kicker Andre Szmyt (25) and Punter Nik Constantinou (30) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Kicker Andre Szmyt (25) and Punter Nik Constantinou (30) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren (28) and Safety Donovan McMillon (31) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Malachi Corley (83) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Running back Raheim Sanders (35) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
The offense during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Tight end Blake Whiteheart (86) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Luke Floriea (81) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Quarterback Shedeur Sanders (2) and Wide receiver Luke Floriea (81) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Denzel Boston (12) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Safety Donovan McMillon (31) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive tackle Mike Hall Jr. (51) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive tackle Mike Hall Jr. (51) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Center Luke Wypler (56) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Running back Ahmani Marshall (23) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end Khordae Sydnor (90) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive tackle Mike Hall Jr. (51) and Defensive tackle Patrick Jenkins (53) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Linebacker Easton Mascarenas-Arnold (42), Defensive tackle Mike Hall Jr. (51), and Linebacker Winston Reid (59) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Quarterback Shedeur Sanders (2) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Isaiah Bond (0) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Safety Donovan McMillon (31) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Safety Donovan McMillon (31) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Cornerback Tyler Hall (29) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Tight end Jermaine Terry (85) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Isaiah Bond (0) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Safety Donovan McMillon (31) and Safety Christopher Edmonds (41) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Cornerback Michael Coats Jr. (39) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Linebacker Nathaniel Watson (40) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Cornerback Tre Avery (11) and Cornerback Tyler Hall (29) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Kole Wilson (87) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
The offense during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Tight end Carsen Ryan (48) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Tylan Wallace (16) and Wide receiver Luke Floriea (81) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Running back Raheim Sanders (35) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Running back Raheim Sanders (35) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Quarterback Shedeur Sanders (2) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Offensive tackle Dawand Jones (79) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Quarterback Shedeur Sanders (2) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Luke Floriea (81) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Linebacker Winston Reid (59) and Linebacker Nathaniel Watson (40) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end Khordae Sydnor (90) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Offensive tackle Austin Barber (58) and Quarterback Shedeur Sanders (2) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Linebacker Winston Reid (59) and Linebacker Nathaniel Watson (40) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end Logan Fano (97) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive tackle Coziah Izzard (68) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end Julian Okwara (99) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
The defense during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Cornerback Tre Avery (11) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Safety Christopher Edmonds (41) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Linebacker Winston Reid (59) and Linebacker Nathaniel Watson (40) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Linebacker Justin Jefferson (17) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end Julian Okwara (99) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Cornerback Michael Coats Jr. (39) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Linebacker Winston Reid (59) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Cornerback Jeremiah McClendon (47) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Offensive tackle KT Leveston (72) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Tight end Carsen Ryan (48) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Punter Wes Pahl (36) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Running back Raheim Sanders (35) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Offensive tackle Jeremiah Byers (63) and Quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Ben Patterson (38) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Offensive tackle Izavion Miller (60) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Tight end Jermaine Terry (85) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end Jamil Muhammad (67) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Cornerback Jeremiah McClendon (47) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Safety Zion Washington (34) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Kole Wilson (87) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Kole Wilson (87) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Offensive tackle Izavion Miller (60) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Offensive tackle Izavion Miller (60) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Malachi Corley (83) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Quarterback Dillon Gabriel (6) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Kole Wilson (87) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Safety Zion Washington (34) during a preseason NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
