Todd Monken: I intend for Deshaun Watson being our starting QB

Published November 11, 2026 12:38 PM Browns head coach Todd Monken opened his Wednesday press conference by confirming that Deshaun Watson will be back as the team’s starting quarterback for their Week 10 game against the Texans. Watson did not play last week after missing a pair of practices while in the concussion protocol and the team’s plans for this Sunday remained a topic of conversation because Monken declined to say who would start during a Monday press conference. Monken explained that response by saying that he wanted to talk to the team’s coaching staff before adding that he also didn’t feel a need to make a public proclamation. “Ultimately, the full body of work, the previous eight games we had played,” Monken said. “Deshaun played pretty well. That was my intention, I just wanted to make sure to run it by my staff before I said it publicly. I don’t know why I have to say it publicly.”Monken was asked if he will be making a quarterback determination on a weekly basis moving forward. “I don’t look at it week-to-week and I don’t look at it as long term,” Monken said. “We’re judged each week. I am, he is, our team is. . . . I anticipate him being our starter. That’s what he’s been, he’s been our starter. . . . I have no intention of Deshaun not being our starter.”The Texans are 5-4 heading into their game with the Texans and they have a bye in Week 11. If they are unable to stay on the right side of .500 after that break, Monken will likely field more questions about the plan for Watson moving forward.