NFL Preseason Updates: Browns Name Watson Starter, Texans Trade for WR

The final week of the NFL preseason has arrived, prompting significant decisions from teams across the league. The Cleveland Browns announced that Deshaun Watson will be their starting quarterback for Week 1, following a competitive training camp against Shedeur Sanders.

Head coach Todd Monken emphasized that the choice was based on Watson's potential to enhance the team's offensive performance. Watson, who has struggled since joining the Browns, has a record of 9–10 with 19 starts, and now prepares for the season opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

In another development, the Houston Texans acquired wide receiver Kayshon Boutte from the New England Patriots in exchange for safety Jaylen Reed and a 2028 seventh-round draft pick. This trade comes after the Texans lost Jayden Higgins to a season-ending injury. Additionally, the Carolina Panthers reported that running back Chuba Hubbard is on track to return for their Week 1 game against the Chicago Bears after recovering from a hamstring strain.