Cleveland Browns Training Camp Recap: Day 18 – Watson’s first day as the starter

Day 18 of Cleveland Browns training camp took place Monday, August 24. The Browns officially named their starting quarterback for the regular season.

Cleveland Browns Training Camp Report – Day 18 (8/24/26)

1. Watson’s First Practice as Starter: As you all know by now, early in the day, Deshaun Watson was named the Browns’ starting quarterback. Prior to practice, Watson had this to say about the way he handled being booed a couple days ago:

“My emotions got the best of me … my comments weren’t intended to go at any of the fans in the city … I understand the frustration.”

Practice went as it often does for Watson. He had some sharp throws, but then there is one like this, where he overthrows WR Jerry Jeudy and should have been intercepted:

Or this:

2. Maliek Collins Returns: Earlier today, the Browns activated DT Maliek Collins from the injured list. He was looking very good in individual drills. Even though the Browns have battled some defensive injuries in camp, getting Collins back is huge for the defensive line, as he expects to step right in to the starting lineup again.

3. An Encouraging Sign for Carson? It feels like LB Carson Schwesinger has been sidelined all of camp with whatever minor injury he must have. He was dressed for practice on Monday, though, and did a little bit of individual work, which is usually a returning player’s first step before returning to team drills.

4. Defensive End Updates: With DE Alex Wright on season-ending injured reserve, DE Isaiah McGuire is now the starting defensive end opposite DE Jared Verse. Cleveland has tried to do a couple of things to address their depth issues on the edge. They signed veteran DE Derek Barnett, and DT Mike Hall has been getting a lot of work in on the edge.

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5. Ward With the Punch Out: I feel like we’ve been seeing quite a bit of this from CB Denzel Ward this camp — is he working on ball denial after the catch at this stage of his career?

6. Divided Reps: From now on, it’s basically QB Deshaun Watson with the ones, and QB Shedeur Sanders with the twos. QB Dillon Gabriel and QB Taylen Green should each play a half in the final preseason game on Thursday evening.

7. Brownies: RB Quinshon Judkins returned to practice too. … WR Cedric Tillman returned to practice, but WR Isaiah Bond is in the concussion protocol. … LT Spencer Fano sat out, dealing with a minor injury.

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8. Up Next: Cleveland has one more training camp practice on Tuesday before playing their final preseason game on Thursday. Roster cuts are due a few days after that, so tomorrow will be the final training camp report of the summer.