Deshaun Watson remains the presumed starter, but the Browns have explored how a rookie like Taylen Green could factor into the game plan. Monken had previously entertained the idea of a specialized package that might keep Green dressed and involved, even as a potential emergency option. His comments underscored a broader conversation about roster composition on game day, particularly the feasibility of carrying three quarterbacks and utilizing them in varying capacities.
During a September 7 news conference, Monken acknowledged the possibility of a package involving Green, hinting at the team’s willingness to experiment with how best to utilize a versatile quarterback in certain situations. The notion of activating three quarterbacks would demand a significant allocation of roster spots, which could lead to a scenario where Watson and Green are dressed while Sanders serves in an emergency quarterback role.
This discussion comes as Green showed encouraging flashes in the preseason. He provided a compelling case to explore additional ways to get him onto the field, especially in situations where his running ability and mobility could open up the offense. In his NFL debut, Green appeared in a single preseason game against the New England Patriots, completing 5 of 7 passes for 27 yards and rushing for 66 yards on eight carries, contributing to a 37-13 Browns victory. One notable sequence featured a 30-yard escape from pressure near his own goal line that sparked a 98-yard scoring drive, illustrating how his legs can change the momentum of a possession. However, this performance was against reserve defenders, and Monken cautioned that Green remains a development project with a long trajectory to contributing in a regular-season game against starting defenses.
Monken emphasized that while Green has exciting potential, there is still a long road of refinement ahead. He noted that the Browns could deploy a handful of designed runs to exploit Green’s strengths, but replacing a veteran quarterback like Watson would require Green to manage the entire offense, make protection adjustments, and handle passing situations. Sanders, by contrast, represents a more established option to fulfill that role if needed, offering experience and reliability in critical moments.
Sanders’ standing remains that of a capable backup, one who earned consideration during training camp and preseason battles with Watson. Although Sanders did not secure the starting job, his performance in camp positioned him as the next viable option behind Watson. The competition also included sharing first-team reps during the preseason, a signal that Cleveland values depth at the position and wants insurance against injury or a slower-than-expected recovery for Watson.
The bigger question for the Browns continues to be Watson’s ability to stay healthy and perform consistently across a full season. Since joining Cleveland in 2022, Watson has appeared in only 19 games due to injuries and an extended suspension, including an entire missing season in 2025 following Achilles surgeries. His health and on-field production are central to Cleveland’s quarterback outlook. If Watson regresses or is sidelined, Sanders could be elevated from reserve to a more prominent role, and Green’s development could accelerate in practical terms.
In the weeks ahead, Cleveland’s quarterback strategy will likely hinge on a balance between preserving Watson’s health and keeping a viable backup plan ready. If Watson starts and remains durable, the rotation may stay relatively straightforward. If any setback arises, Sanders would be the immediate ready-made option, with Green continuing to develop behind them and push for opportunities where improvisation and mobility can spark meaningful gains.
For fans and analysts tracking the Browns’ quarterback dynamics, the key takeaway is clear: Cleveland is prepared to adapt. The team has valued flexibility at the position, acknowledging the need for a reliable second option while continuing to explore how Green’s unique skill set might contribute in specific packages. Sanders remains positioned as the prudent backup with a potential to contribute when called upon, ensuring the Browns have multiple paths to sustain their offense if Watson faces limitations.
As Week 1 approached, the focus remained on health, readiness, and strategic depth. The Browns’ approach reflects a calculated readiness to lean on a trio of quarterbacks if circumstances demand it, while remaining committed to Watson as the cornerstone of the offense. The unfolding sequence will reveal how much the team leans on Green’s versatility, how Sanders capitalizes on backup opportunities, and how Cleveland navigates the inherent uncertainties of quarterback availability over the course of a grueling NFL season.
