The Browns’ Week 1 inactive list delivered one clear message: Taylen Green’s time is coming, just not yet.
Head coach Todd Monken left the door open for the third-string quarterback to be available on game days, but Cleveland chose to keep that wrinkle tucked away for the opener in Jacksonville. With tropical weather in the forecast and a matchup that could get ugly in a hurry, the Browns opted for the safer path and kept Green as the emergency QB3 behind Shedeur Sanders.
That decision fits the way Cleveland seems likely to approach this one. The roster is still sorting itself out after limited preseason reps, and with so many new faces, the Browns may spend the early part of Sunday feeling out the game before leaning harder into the second half. If that happens, expect the run game to carry plenty of the load, with Quinshon Judkins positioned to be a major part of the plan.
Cleveland’s inactive group also included Teven Jenkins, Parker Brailsford, Justin Jefferson, Toriano Pride Jr., Noah Igbinoghene and Daniel Thomas.
On the offensive side, the Browns dressed two quarterbacks in Deshaun Watson and Sanders, and the chatter about Sanders possibly slipping to emergency status never had much traction. Green simply isn’t ready to run an NFL offense yet, and keeping him active would have meant sacrificing depth elsewhere in a game where every body could matter.
At running back and fullback, Cleveland went with Quinshon Judkins, Dylan Sampson, Raheim Sanders and Michael Burton. Burton stayed off the injury report all week, and the 34-year-old fullback looks set for a meaningful role in the ground game. There was a case for making Sanders inactive, but the Browns may need all hands if this turns into the run-heavy script many expect.
The receiver group was Jerry Jeudy, KC Concepcion, Denzel Boston, Isaiah Bond, Tylan Wallace and Malachi Corley. Wallace gives the room its most experienced option in Monken’s system, while Corley is there as a kick return specialist and depth piece.
Tight end was one of the more straightforward decisions. Harold Fannin Jr., Blake Whiteheart and Carsen Ryan all made the cut, giving Cleveland flexibility to lean on 21 personnel with Judkins and Burton both on the field. Ryan, a seventh-round pick, could easily be the odd man out on another Sunday, but his upside as an inline receiving threat was enough to get him through Week 1.
The offensive line was shaped by Teven Jenkins’ back injury, which opened the door for Austin Barber to start at right guard. Parker Brailsford was questionable heading into the weekend, but he’s still behind Luke Wypler at center after missing so much camp time. Zak Zinter, after a strong finish to training camp, entered the opener as the backup left guard.
Defensively, the Browns rolled with Jared Verse, Mason Graham, Maliek Collins, Isaiah McGuire, Mike Hall Jr., Derek Barnett, Adin Huntington and Sam Williams up front. Collins hasn’t played since injuring his quad in Week 13 of the 2025 season, and Barnett and Williams were late additions. Cleveland will need that entire rotation to hold up against Jacksonville in the Florida heat.
At linebacker, Nathaniel Watson was elevated from the practice squad, a move that pointed toward fifth-round rookie Justin Jefferson being on the outside looking in for now. Jefferson flashed late in the preseason, but Watson brings more experience and appears to have the edge at this stage.
The cornerback group featured Denzel Ward, Tyson Campbell, Myles Harden, Mekhi Blackmon and D’Angelo Ross. Ross was the other practice-squad elevation, and the late additions in that room may not all be fully up to speed yet. Blackmon, who has been with the team the longest among those newcomers after being claimed on waivers before the third preseason game, made the active list while Pride and Igbinoghene stayed out.
The biggest surprise came at safety. McMillon beat out Chris Edmonds, and he also got the nod over Daniel Thomas as the fourth game-day safety. That stands out because Thomas has the special teams résumé and captaincy profile to be a major factor there, making McMillon’s spot one of the more interesting calls of the day.
No surprises here. Now let's play some football.
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