Sanders entered training camp competing with Deshaun Watson for the Browns’ starting QB job. Despite showing promising flashes throughout the preseason, Shedeur ultimately fell short in the evaluation process as head coach Todd Monken decided that Watson gives Cleveland the best chance to start the regular season.

That decision has generated plenty of discussion around Cleveland, particularly because Sanders appeared to outperform Watson at times during the preseason. Nevertheless, Watson is now the Browns’ QB1, while Sanders will have to wait for his next opportunity to prove he can become the franchise’s long-term answer.

Is Shedeur Sanders playing today for Browns vs Patriots?

No. Shedeur Sanders will not play for the Browns against the Patriots in the final preseason game of 2026. That means Sanders’ preseason is officially over, and he will not receive any additional game reps before the regular season begins.

His next chance could come during the regular season if circumstances change, but for now, Watson remains firmly ahead of him on the depth chart. For Sanders, the challenge now shifts from winning the QB1 competition to continuing his development and being ready if the Browns eventually need him.

Why is Shedeur Sanders not playing for Browns against Patriots?

The decision was made by Todd Monken, who believes Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson have already received enough preseason playing time for the coaching staff to properly evaluate them.

Instead of giving Sanders another opportunity, Monken wants to use the final preseason game to look at Dillon Gabriel and Taylen Green. Gabriel is expected to start against New England, while Green should also receive significant playing time.

The Browns are now trying to answer a different question: how many quarterbacks will they carry on the 53-man roster? The possibility of keeping four quarterbacks remains on the table, but Cleveland must determine whether there is enough value to justify using that many roster spots.

If the Browns decide four quarterbacks are too many, Gabriel could be the player most vulnerable to being released. That makes tonight’s game particularly important for Gabriel and Green. While Sanders and Watson have already completed their preseason evaluations, the two younger quarterbacks have one final opportunity to show Monken what they can bring to the roster.

How to watch Browns vs Patriots in the USA

Browns vs Patriots will be available nationally on Prime Video in the United States. Fubo and NFL+ are others streaming options for viewers outside the New England local market.

Can I watch Browns vs Patriots for free?

Yes, eligible viewers can watch Browns vs Patriots for free with Fubo’s 5-day free trial. The platform currently offers a free-trial option for its service, which carries preseason games.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

The Browns vs. Patriots matchup is the final preseason game for both teams, putting the focus on roster evaluation rather than the result itself. Cleveland enters the finale at 0-2, while New England is 1-0-1 after a 24-21 comeback victory over the Philadelphia Eagles. Both teams now have one last game to evaluate players before the NFL‘s 53-man roster deadline on August 30.

For Cleveland, one of the biggest storylines is the quarterback situation. Deshaun Watson has been named the Browns’ starting quarterback for the 2026 season, but the team is still evaluating its depth behind him.

Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel have received significant preseason opportunities, while the Browns’ latest unofficial depth chart lists Watson, Sanders and Gabriel among the quarterbacks.

The Patriots are approaching the game with a different objective. Mike Vrabel has largely protected his starters during the preseason, meaning Thursday could once again provide valuable snaps for players competing for roster spots.

Rookie quarterback Behren Morton was particularly impressive in the 24-21 win over Philadelphia, leading the game-winning drive, while young players such as Kyle Williams and Efton Chism III have also made strong cases for roster consideration.

What time is the Browns vs Patriots match?

The Browns vs Patriots match kicks off on Thursday, August 27, at 8:00 PM ET. The game will be played at Huntington Bank Field in Cleveland, Ohio, and represents the final preseason game for both teams before the 2026 regular season.

• Eastern Time: 8:00 PM
• Central Time: 7:00 PM
• Mountain Time: 6:00 PM
• Pacific Time: 5:00 PM

The Browns created headlines by choosing Deshaun Watson as their starting quarterback over Shedeur Sanders. Despite Sanders showing encouraging flashes during the preseason, head coach Todd Monken ultimately decided that Watson will lead the offense in Week 1.

The Patriots, meanwhile, are preparing for a season in which they hope to make another Super Bowl push. Drake Maye is expected to be the centerpiece of that effort, particularly after New England added star wide receiver A.J. Brown to an offense that could take a major step forward in 2026.

Who is starting QB today for Browns vs Patriots?

Dillon Gabriel will start at quarterback for the Browns against the Patriots. Todd Monken confirmed that he wants to give him more playing time after being unable to properly evaluate him during Cleveland’s first two preseason games.

Gabriel’s opportunity is particularly important because the Browns need to determine what they have behind Watson and Sanders. Giving Dillon an extended look in the final preseason game allows the coaching staff to evaluate him in a more realistic game environment.

Taylen Green is expected to take over as the backup quarterback after Gabriel’s time on the field is complete. As a result, neither Watson nor Sanders is expected to play tonight.

Who is starting QB for Patriots vs Browns?

Tommy DeVito is expected to start at quarterback for the Patriots against the Browns, with Drake Maye sitting out the final preseason game. The decision is hardly surprising considering Maye’s importance to New England.

The star quarterback is expected to lead the Patriots’ offense throughout the regular season, and there is little reason for head coach Mike Vrabel to expose him to unnecessary preseason risk. After DeVito’s work is complete, Behren Morton is expected to take over at quarterback.

Boutte now emerges as one of the top options in the passing game for C.J. Stroud, joining Nico Collins and Jaylin Noel. Further down the receiving corps are Xavier Hutchinson, Tank Dell, and Lewis Bond.

How does the picture look in Foxborough now? Drake Maye’s top receiving options are A.J. Brown, Romeo Doubs, and DeMario Douglas. Behind them are Kyle Williams, Mack Hollins, and Efton Chism III.

Complete Houston wide receiver depth chart

Little by little, it seems the injury blows are being addressed for DeMeco Ryans and the Houston Texans. With the arrival of the experienced Boutte, Stroud now has another weapon to hurt opponents through the air. In 2025, the WR recorded 33 receptions for 551 yards and six touchdowns.

New England’s receiving corps

The offseason was a busy one for the New England Patriots, who bolstered their passing attack with the additions of A.J. Brown and Romeo Doubs. Both players are expected to take on prominent roles following the departures of Stefon Diggs and now Boutte, two key pieces of the team’s most recent successful campaign that ended with a Super Bowl appearance.

“I do not think we have a very deep team,” Vrabel said to the press, “so I think we have to make sure that we are preparing our football team and that we are doing everything that we can to keep our best players available.

“And if that means playing Thursday as part of preparation, then that is what we will do. I have not made that decision yet, but I would say that that is something that I am confident in with where we are set up currently.”

Returning to the Super Bowl is the goal for a team that doesn’t want to leave anything to chance. Vrabel prefers to rest his key players at this stage and unleash his full arsenal starting in Week 1, when the Patriots will face none other than the Seattle Seahawks in a rematch of SB LX.

Vrabel draws his conclusions

With the heavy hitters taking a back seat, a few depth pieces really raised their hand during this 2026 preseason. Backup QB Behren Morton made a strong case for the roster after putting up a solid performance against Philadelphia Eagles, finishing 12 of 18 for 134 yards and a touchdown to keep the offense moving.

On the ground, rookie Jam Miller capitalized on his reps, grinding out 48 rushing yards on 9 carries and punching in a goal-line score. On the defensive side, pass-rusher Gabe Jacas stood out by causing havoc in the backfield, logging 3 total tackles, a sack, and two quarterback hits. It was exactly the kind of relentless, physical depth play Mike Vrabel values as he finalizes his initial 53-man roster heading into the regular season.

Protecting Drake Maye

It’s clear that Drake Maye is one of the team’s biggest stars, and the Patriots’ thin QB room means they don’t want to risk his health during the preseason. Tommy DeVito and Behren Morton are behind him on the depth chart, ready to step in if needed.

New England’s final preseason game

The Patriots wrap up their 2026 preseason on Thursday, August 27, when they hit the road to face the Cleveland Browns at Huntington Bank Field. As for how they’ve kicked off the summer, it’s been a mixed bag with some solid moments: they opened up at home with a 13-13 tie against the Indianapolis Colts, but bounced back nicely in Week 2 by edging out the Philadelphia Eagles 24-21 in a tight battle at Gillette Stadium.

In a statement released shortly after, the Eagles confirmed that Jackson “has strength and movement in all extremities” and was being taken to a local hospital for further evaluation. That update offered relief to fans and teammates alike after the scary scene, with reports noting Jackson was even seen briefly raising his left arm before being loaded into the ambulance.

Play resumed a few minutes later, though the extended stoppage left a somber mood hanging over the rest of the preseason game. The Eagles have not yet disclosed the specific nature of Jackson’s injury, and further updates are expected once he completes evaluation at the hospital.

What happened to Jackson

Jackson went down to the turf while attempting to tackle the kickoff returner during Philadelphia’s preseason game against the Patriots in Foxborough for a match of the NFL Preseason.

He remained motionless on the field after diving to bring down the New England returner, prompting medical personnel from both teams to rush onto the field almost immediately. Athletic trainers quickly called for a stretcher, and both benches gathered near the scene as Jackson was placed onto it.

Players from the Eagles and Patriots knelt in support while Jackson was loaded onto the stretcher, creating a solemn pause at the start of the game. An ambulance entered the field to transport him, and the entire Eagles bench came out to surround their teammate before he was taken away.

The Eagles are expected to provide further updates on Jackson’s condition as more information becomes available from doctors evaluating him at the hospital, with hopes that the situation does not prove serious and that he makes a speedy recovery.

How to watch Patriots vs Eagles in the USA

The game is part of NFL Preseason Week 2 and will be televised nationally on NFL Network. For streaming, Fubo and NFL+ provides live access to out-of-market preseason games.

Can I watch Patriots vs Eagles for free?

Fubo currently offers a 5-day free trial, which is broadcasting Patriots vs. Eagles live on August 22. This allows eligible new subscribers to watch the preseason matchup during the trial period without paying upfront.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

The New England Patriots and Philadelphia Eagles meet in Week 2 of the 2026 NFL preseason, just days after facing each other in two joint practices at Gillette Stadium. Those sessions on August 19 and 20 give both coaching staffs an extended look at players in competitive situations before Saturday’s game, making the matchup particularly valuable for roster evaluations and position battles.

The Patriots opened their preseason with a 13-13 tie against the Indianapolis Colts, while the Eagles are coming off a 24-7 loss to the Baltimore Ravens. For Philadelphia, the second preseason game offers another opportunity to evaluate young players and depth following a difficult opener.

New England, meanwhile, will continue building around Drake Maye, who is entering his second NFL season and is expected to be one of the key players to watch after sitting out the preseason opener. With the regular season approaching, the preseason result itself is secondary to player evaluation.

The two joint practices and Saturday’s game give Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel and Eagles coach Nick Sirianni an important opportunity to assess players competing for roster spots, determine rotations and test how their units respond against an opponent with playoff-caliber talent. The Patriots are also the defending AFC champions, adding extra interest to their preparations for the 2026 regular season.

What time is the Patriots vs Eagles match?

The Patriots vs Eagles game kicks off Saturday, August 22, at 7:00 PM ET from Gillette Stadium. For viewers across the United States, these are the corresponding start times:

• Eastern Time: 7:00 PM
• Central Time: 6:00 PM
• Mountain Time: 5:00 PM
• Pacific Time: 4:00 PM

Per Mike Reiss of ESPN, it is very unlikely that Drake Maye plays vs Eagles. After all, Maye received heavy work during joint practices. Hence, the coaching staff might be content with the evaluation of him during those periods.

Backup Tommy DeVito is again expected to start under center. In last week’s preseason opener against the Colts, DeVito completed 13 of 22 passes for 138 yards and a touchdown. The Eagles will be yet another test against him.

Is Jalen Hurts playing for Eagles vs Patriots?

Nick Sirianni also indicated that his starters will rest, so Jalen Hurts is not likely to play vs. Patriots. Hurts didn’t have the best of practices and questions around him might be growing, but he is still the certified QB1 on the team.

Tanner McKee and Andy Dalton are likely to carry the major workload for the Eagles under center against the Patriots. As always, this is more a “go out and stay healthy” kind of game for NFL teams.

Maye and Hurts have different points to prove in 2026

Maye was the MVP runner-up last season and went to the Super Bowl, albeit on a losing effort. However, his season was criticized because of the easy schedule he faced. Now, he has to prove he can deliver in a consistent basis with a tougher schedule.

As for Hurts, the Eagles offense is entering a new regime with Sean Mannion as the offensive coordinator, and they lost AJ Brown, upgraded DeVonta Smith to WR1 and drafted Makai Lemon. Hurts needs to prove he can be a leader and produce.

According to Chad Graff of The Athletic, the Patriots’ backfield will be a 50-50 split between both Stevenson and Henderson. This could come as a shock for many given expectations.

Stevenson is a much older back while Henderson is absolutely explosive. However, those two factors are not the end-all, be-all of running backs. Hence, a 50-50 split will bring the best of both.

Stevenson’s advantages over Henderson

Stevenson is a way better blocker than TreVeyon Henderson and that might be his main advantage over the sophomore. He also has better vision and efficiency between the tackles.

Rhamondre Stevenson could get a lot of short-yardage opportunities near the endzone as well. He is a bit more used in those situations. Also, it seems like the coaching staff trust him in high-leverage games.

Henderson’s advantages over Stevenson

Henderson is way faster, more explosive, and have huge upside to get big plays going for the Patriots. He provides the Pats with a higher ceiling and long-touchdowns potential.

Also, Henderson is better at ball security. Stevenson has struggled with fumbles throughout his career, while Henderson has proven to be a much better ball carrier. Hence, they complement each other, ending it all in a projected 50-50 split.

How to watch Patriots vs Colts in the USA

The New England Patriots vs. Indianapolis Colts preseason game will be available on The CW in select local markets. For streaming, the game can be watched through NFL+ and Fubo.

Can I watch Patriots vs Colts for free?

Yes, Fubo is offering a 5-day free trial that can be used to watch Patriots vs. Colts without paying upfront. The platform’s game listing specifically advertises the matchup with a free trial, although regional restrictions may apply.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

The Patriots vs. Colts preseason opener is less about the final score and more about evaluating the players competing for roster spots and roles ahead of the 2026 regular season. The two teams already shared the field during a joint practice on Tuesday.

One of the biggest storylines will be the quarterback situation, although Drake Maye and Daniel Jones are both expected to sit out. Maye is coming off a season in which he finished second in NFL MVP voting, while Jones is returning from the torn Achilles that ended his 2025 campaign.

Indianapolis coach Shane Steichen said he does not want to take chances with Jones in the preseason, while Patriots coach Mike Vrabel indicated Maye would also get the night off.

That puts the spotlight on the players behind the starters. For New England, Tommy DeVito and the team’s young offensive players are expected to handle significant work, with wide receivers Kyle Williams and Efton Chism among those looking to strengthen their cases.

The Patriots also have important roster battles at running back, offensive line, edge rusher and cornerback, making the preseason opener an important evaluation opportunity.

What time is the Patriots vs Colts match?

The Patriots vs Colts game kicks off Thursday, August 13, at 7:30 PM ET at Gillette Stadium. For viewers in different regions of the United States, here are the local start times:

• Eastern Time: 7:30 PM
• Central Time: 6:30 PM
• Mountain Time: 5:30 PM
• Pacific Time: 4:30 PM

“I wouldn’t anticipate seeing Drake out there on Thursday,” the head coach said during his press conference. “But that’s all subject to change.” It remains to be seen whether Maye will ultimately get a chance to take a few snaps late in the game or if the Patriots will preserve him for the season ahead.

New England’s QB room may not be particularly star-studded, but it does have options for the occasion. The experienced Tommy DeVito is listed first on the depth chart and will likely get the start, while rookie Behren Morton is currently listed third.

The challenges ahead for New England

The New England Patriots kick off their preseason tonight, August 13, at home against the Indianapolis Colts, followed by a second home game against the Philadelphia Eagles on Saturday, August 22. They will conclude their exhibition schedule on the road against the Cleveland Browns on Thursday, August 27.

After wrapping up the preseason, the Patriots will officially launch their 2026 regular season away from home in a Week 1 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks on September 9. The journey begins with a rematch of the most recent Super Bowl.

Maye remains the leader of this team

In 2025, Drake Maye delivered a breakout season for the Patriots, throwing for 4,394 yards, 31 touchdowns, and just 8 interceptions with an impressive 72.0% completion rate and a league-leading 113.5 passer rating. As a newly elected team captain and Pro Bowler, Maye established himself as the undisputed franchise leader, commanding the offense with poise and decision-making beyond his years.

With the offseason additions of dynamic wideouts A.J. Brown and Romeo Doubs, Maye is poised to elevate his game even further—expanding the team’s downfield threat, improving his efficiency in high-pressure situations, and cementing New England’s status as a legitimate championship contender.