The Johnson of the discussion centered on Green’s athleticism and whether he could earn an active spot alongside Watson. Had the Browns pursued that route, Sanders might have been pushed into an emergency role, despite spending the preseason vying for the starting job. In the end, Cleveland chose to keep its top two quarterbacks available without restrictions, with Green serving as emergency insurance. His designation prevented the team from activating him for a set of designed plays.
Coaches had considered the possibility throughout the week. Offensive coordinator Travis Switzer acknowledged the tension between having three quarterbacks available on game day and the practicality of doing so. “I’ll let Monk (Todd Monken) talk about who’s going to be up,” Switzer said. “But yeah, he’s a quarterback on our roster, and it’s very well possible.” Monken concurred that carrying three quarterbacks on the active roster is a heavy load, highlighting the trade-offs the staff weighed.
The Browns explored multiple roster configurations. One option would have activated all three signal-callers, allowing Green to be used in specific packages while keeping Sanders ready to direct the offense. That approach, however, would have come at the expense of an additional position on the active roster. Alternatively, the team could have dressed Watson and Green as the two active quarterbacks, with Sanders designated as the emergency third option. That scenario carried its own set of risks: an emergency quarterback can only enter the game when both active quarterbacks are unavailable due to injury or disqualification. If Watson struggled or was forced out, Sanders would not automatically be available, and Green would be the next in line to step in if Watson could not return.
Sanders offered more experience in that role, having started seven games as a rookie. While his season had its uneven stretches, the prospect of leaning on Sanders to guide the offense presented a different dynamic than asking Green to do the same. The decision underscored the team’s preference for stability and veteran presence at the most critical position, while still keeping a promising talent in reserve should a larger shake-up be required.
In addition to the quarterback decisions, the Browns had other roster moves to manage. Green wasn’t the only notable inactive. Starting right guard Teven Jenkins was also unavailable, prompting rookie Austin Barber to take the field in his NFL debut. Jenkins had been ruled out late in the week due to a back injury, which created an opening on the line. Barber had been competing for the job at right guard, and this development gave him a real opportunity to prove he belongs in the lineup as the regular season looms.
Barber’s performance during the preseason had caught the eye of the coaching staff. He has impressed with his work ethic and disposition, and Switzer praised his development, saying, “His development has been impressive. He’s wired the right way.” Barber’s chance to start with Watson counting on a rebuilt offensive line to keep the pocket clean could position him to maintain the role once Jenkins returns to health, assuming he continues to perform at a high level.
Alongside Green and Jenkins on the inactive list were several other younger players, including linebacker Justin Jefferson, cornerbacks Noah Igbinoghene and Toriano Pride Jr., and safety Daniel Thomas. Their absence created opportunities for others to step up and demonstrate their readiness for NFL action.
The Browns enter the season with a clear hierarchy at quarterback, prioritizing Watson’s durability and Sanders’s experience as a reliable backup. Green’s potential as a dynamic wild-card option remains on hold for now, pending how the team evaluates game-day needs and the physical health of the top two quarterbacks. As the season progresses, the coaching staff will continue to assess how best to balance the roster’s quarterback depth with the demands of the 17-game slate and the physical toll of a demanding schedule.
Looking ahead, Cleveland’s decisions illustrate a broader NFL theme: teams increasingly weigh the value of multi-quarterback packages against the practical constraints of active-roster limits. While several teams have experimented with triplet signal-caller arrangements on occasion, the vast majority opt for a primary starter, a dependable backup, and a reserve who can contribute in limited, situational roles if necessary. The Browns’ approach reflects a strategic emphasis on stability at the most critical position, while preserving the room to pivot should circumstances dictate a broader playbook shift.
