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Shedeur Sanders, Deshaun Watson will each get a preseason start

Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders are set to start in upcoming preseason games.

First seen Aug 05, 2026 · 3:00 AM UTC · last updated Aug 05 6:01 PM

Scoring Zone's Take

Both reports point to the same offseason storyline: Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders are lined up to start preseason action, with the third preseason game specifically mentioned as the likely stage for both. That's a notable signal for Sanders in particular — getting starter reps in a game that typically features more extended playing time for players competing for roster spots suggests the coaching staff wants a real look at him under game conditions. For draft prep purposes, this is worth filing away as a name to track through the rest of camp, but it's not yet actionable in terms of redraft value; preseason starts don't translate directly into Week 1 usage or fantasy production.

For Watson, the "set to start" designation is more about health and reintegration than fantasy stock. If he's able to handle live reps in the third preseason game, that's a positive health marker to note in your draft prep file, but you shouldn't be moving him up your board off this alone — there's no performance data yet, just participation.

Confidence here is mixed: one source reports the starts as settled fact, while the other frames it as "expected" based on performance to date, carrying only moderate confidence. Treat the specific game assignment as tentative until you see actual snap counts or a depth chart update closer to the game. Action item: no add/drop/trade moves warranted yet. Keep both players on your watch list, prioritize checking preseason box scores after the third game, and reassess draft capital for Sanders specifically once you see how the staff distributes reps.

Monken responded to a report that Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders will each start a preseason game.

Coverage from Yahoo Sports Nfl · read original