6 Browns players who badly need to show their worth in Cleveland’s first preseason game against Bears
The Cleveland Browns open the preseason against the Chicago Bears on Saturday, and there’s a few players who must show up in the opener.
The Cleveland Browns kick off their 2026 NFL preseason on Saturday at 1 p.m. ET when they travel to take on the Chicago Bears. Cleveland plans to start its starters while Chicago will sit key players like quarterback Caleb Williams.
For the Browns, Saturday marks the start of the Todd Monken era and the first live game of the quarterback battle between Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders.
With roster cuts to come in a few weeks, several players need a strong preseason performance overall to solidify their spots on the 53-man roster.
Here are six Browns players with worth to prove on Saturday against the Bears.
WR Cedric Tillman needs to flash to stick around
Former third-round pick Cedric Tillman out of Tennessee is in his fourth and final year on his rookie contract, which means he’s playing for his next deal. Tillman is no lock to make the roster. He’s struggled to stay healthy at times, and when healthy, he hasn’t been consistent enough to become the X receiver the Browns hoped he could be despite being a Day 2 draft pick. Tillman is fighting to make this roster, and a good showing in the preseason could solidify his spot as the fifth or sixth wide receiver.
OT Dawand Jones and C Luke Wypler are fighting for their roster lives
Offensive tackle Dawand Jones started training camp battling first-round pick Spencer Fano for the left tackle job, but that competition lasted only a few days before Fano took over as expected. Jones has had each of the last three years end early due to injury, and he’s no lock to make the roster either. He needs to solidify his spot as a swing tackle who can play both sides. Expect Jones to play a ton on Saturday against the Bears.
Center Luke Wypler is another player who has struggled to stay on the field during his Browns career. He’s battling to maintain his spot as the backup center, but it’s going to be a tough sell because rookie Parker Brailsford out of Alabama is likely to take that role. Brailsford might develop into a starter down the road, but it doesn’t look like it’s going to be right away, and that could force Elgton Jenkins to start there, which doesn’t bode well for Wypler making the 53.
QB Dillon Gabriel could turn heads in the second half
Quarterback Dillon Gabriel should get time on Saturday in the second half behind Sanders after Watson gets the start. Gabriel has had some good moments in training camp, and his ability to be on time and deliver the ball where it needs to go has stood out. He needs to replicate that in a preseason game setting. There’s a solid chance he has a pretty solid showing when he gets on the field against backups.
EDGE Logan Fano could push hard for a roster spot
Undrafted rookie edge rusher Logan Fano, the brother of Cleveland’s first-round pick, is pushing to make the roster out of Utah. The Browns still need pass rush help. They’ve been connected to free agents like Jadeveon Clowney before he signed with the Houston Texans, and Za’Darius Smith tried out for them this week as well. Fano could end up making the roster as the potential fifth guy in the edge room, but Cleveland could still add a veteran to bolster the position overall. A splash play or two in the preseason would go a long way for the undrafted free agent.
WR Gage Larvadain is battling for the back end of the roster
Wide receiver Gage Larvadain is battling to make the back end of the Browns’ wide receiver room and would likely be the sixth guy at best. He’s pushing to win a spot over someone like Tillman, and he has a decent case because he can play special teams and return punts. Larvadain has made some tough catches in training camp, and carrying that over into Saturday’s game could go a long way in his push to make the Cleveland roster.
