Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken promoted rookie offensive tackle Spencer Fano and rookie wide receiver Denzel Boston to the first-team offense on August 10, 2026. Fano secured the starting left tackle job following a practice scuffle, while Boston stepped into the WR1 role.
Cleveland Browns training camp shifted dramatically on August 10, 2026, when head coach Todd Monken promoted rookie first-round draft picks Spencer Fano and Denzel Boston directly to the first-team offense. The moves follow a weekend reassessment during the team’s day off on Sunday, reshaping the depth chart ahead of the preseason opener.
Spencer Fano Locks Down Left Tackle After Training Camp Scuffle
For the first 10 practices of training camp, veteran Dawand Jones and rookie first-round pick Spencer Fano alternated reps at left tackle with the first-team offense. That rotation ended when Fano engaged in a brief training camp skirmish with defensive end Jared Verse during the August 8 practice. Fano wrapped the third-year veteran in a bear-hug, prompting Verse to rip off Fano’s helmet before teammates intervened as Fano took Verse to the ground.
Monken told reporters that the altercation provided the decisive push needed to resolve the competition. Monken noted that Fano was already trending toward the starting role before Saturday’s practice solidified the decision. Don’t you want to see a player, especially on the O-line, not back down?
Monken said.
Monken added that it was impressive to see both competitors line up and execute hard on the very next play without incident. With Fano claiming the left tackle spot alongside a presumptive starting line of Zion Johnson at left guard, Elgton Jenkins at center, Teven Jenkins at right guard, and Tytus Howard at right tackle, Jones will shift to working as the third tackle and remains an option at right tackle.
Denzel Boston Ascends to WR1 as Coaching Staff Reshapes Offense
Boston has maintained consistent performance since OTAs, establishing himself as a reliable target in contested situations.
“He’s made a bunch of plays. I’ve seen it, you’ve seen it. He’s made a bunch of plays. We want to move Jerry [Jeudy] around; I think Jerry is at his best when he’s on the move. He’s elite, he can separate. And I think Denzel has shown that when he’s in the boundary, and you [see] contested catches, a lot of our three-by-one stuff may go to there.”
Boston’s elevation allows the coaching staff to deploy Jerry Jeudy in a more flexible role than he occupied during the previous two seasons under Kevin Stefanski. Monken also indicated plans to expand the offensive rotation for fellow rookie receiver KC Concepcion, while acknowledging strong camps from Isaiah Bond and Tylan Wallace to solidify the top five receiver positions.
Quarterback Competition Remains Unresolved Ahead of Preseason Opener
While the offensive line and wide receiver promotions add clarity, the quarterback battle between Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson remains undecided. Moving practice indoors on August 10 due to heavy morning rain, both signal-callers navigated a sluggish session characterized by dropped passes and pre-negated snaps.
Sanders took first-team snaps behind the newly minted starting offensive line, while Watson worked exclusively with the second unit. Monken addressed his decision to flip starting reps ahead of the August 8 practice—where Watson threw four touchdowns—explaining that he simply changed his mind after noticing Sanders had accumulated extra work earlier in the week.
Monken has not finalized which quarterback will take the opening snap against the Chicago Bears on August 15, though he stated a preference to play the starters for the opening series barring medical concerns. The quarterback who does not start against Chicago is slated to start the preseason game against the Buffalo Bills on August 22 at Huntington Bank Field.
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