Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken promoted rookie offensive tackle Spencer Fano and wide receiver Denzel Boston to the first-team offense on Monday, August 10, 2026, following standout training camp performances and a physical practice scuffle that solidified Fano’s competitive edge.
Training camp battles in Berea took a sharp turn on August 10, 2026, when the Browns restructured their starting lineup ahead of the preseason. Head coach Todd Monken shook up the depth chart by elevating first-round pick Spencer Fano to the exclusive role of starting left tackle and bumping second-round selection Denzel Boston up to the No. 1 receiver spot.
The moves signal a decisive shift for a franchise trying to build a winning foundation in Monken’s first season at the helm. Both rookies earned their promotions after weeks of steady progression, though Fano’s path involved a heavy dose of training camp grit.
The Scuffle That Solidified Spencer Fano at Left Tackle
Up to this point in August, Fano had been alternating days with veteran Dawand Jones as the first-team left tackle. That shared workload ended following a Saturday practice clash with defensive end Jared Verse, a Pro Bowler acquired from the Los Angeles Rams in the Myles Garrett trade.
During an 11-on-11 drill, tensions boiled over between the rookie lineman and the edge rusher. Verse ripped off Fano’s helmet, prompting a wrestling exchange on the ground before teammates and coaches intervened. Rather than drawing a reprimand, Fano’s refusal to back down secured his hold on the starting job.
“Don’t you want to see a player, especially on the O-line, not back down? As your starting left tackle, all your hopes and dreams. The ability to move the football and protect, your left tackle to not back down against a Pro Bowler.”
Todd Monken, Browns head coach
Monken noted that the competitive fire solidified a decision the coaching staff was already leaning toward. He added that it was really cool
to see Fano and Verse line up against each other on the very next play and execute without incident.
Jones, who has impressed coaches with his conditioning, will remain in the mix as the third tackle and a potential option at right tackle if shifting Tytus Howard to right guard becomes necessary.
Denzel Boston Claims the X Receiver Role
While Fano earned his promotion through physical trench warfare, Boston captured the starting X receiver job through relentless consistency. The strapping rookie has put together strong performances dating back to OTAs and through the opening two weeks of camp.
The promotion of Boston to WR1 changes the tactical equation for the offense. Monken plans to utilize Jerry Jeudy differently than former head coach Kevin Stefanski did over the previous two seasons, giving Boston boundary responsibilities while moving Jeudy around the formation.
“He’s made a bunch of plays. I’ve seen it, you’ve seen it. We want to move Jerry 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 contested catches, a lot of our three-by-one stuff may go to there.”
Todd Monken, Browns head coach
With Boston and Jeudy anchoring the wideout group, the top five receiver spots appear largely set, with rookie first-round draft pick KC Concepcion also slated for increased involvement in the rotation alongside Isaiah Bond and Tylan Wallace.
Quarterback Competition Remains Unsettled
While the offensive line and wide receiver positions saw clarity on Monday, the quarterback battle between Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders remains wide open. Monken stated that he has not yet finalized his starter for the preseason opener.
Monday’s practice session moved indoors due to heavy morning rain, featuring sluggish execution from both units amid dropped passes and pre-snap penalties. Sanders took first-team snaps behind the presumptive starting offensive line of Fano, Zion Johnson, Elgton Jenkins, Teven Jenkins, and Tytus Howard, while Watson worked exclusively with the second team.
Monken acknowledged that juggling reps between the two signal-callers requires careful balance, noting that Watson has played better and made sharper decisions over the last week as he builds confidence through success.
Preseason Expectations and What Comes Next
The Browns face the Chicago Bears in their preseason opener on Saturday, August 15, 2026. Monken indicated his intention to play the starters for at least the opening series, provided medical clearances align.
Evaluating both Sanders and Watson depends entirely on the stability of the offensive line. Protecting the quarterbacks and letting them function within the scheme remains the primary benchmark for the coaching staff.
“If we’re going to evaluate the quarterbacks, we’ve got to make sure we can protect them, we’ve got to play the guys up front. We want to evaluate the quarterbacks as best as we can, irrespective of who else is in the game. We’ve got to evaluate the quarterbacks on how they’re able to function and score points.”
Todd Monken, Browns head coach
Whichever quarterback does not get the nod to start against Chicago is expected to take the first snap in the following preseason contest against the Buffalo Bills on August 22, 2026, at Huntington Bank Field.
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