Browns Starters Will Play in Preseason Finale Against Chiefs
With the exception of a few, the Cleveland Browns will play their starters in the preseason finale against the Kansas City Chiefs, head coach Kevin Stefanski told reporters on Sunday. The expectation is they will play 20 to 25 snaps in that game as their final tune up before they turn their full attention to the Cincinnati Bengals in the opener.
High temperatures, which could read into the 90s in Kansas City will not dissuade Stefanski from playing his starters. He noted he wants them to acclimate and be able to deal with the situation.
Stefanski has not said who will be held out, but it would not be a surprise if left guard Joel Bitonio and running back Nick Chubb are two that are held out of that game. Myles Garrett was held out against the Washington Commanders, so he might be in that group as well.
The Browns and Chiefs play Saturday at 1pm. That will leave the Browns with 15 days to prepare and potentially recover from any small injuries to get ready to host the Bengals in the team's opener.
When he was asked on the sideline during the Browns preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Deshaun Watson was more than willing to play in the preseason finale.
In his game against the Commanders, Watson was 3 of 3 for 12 yards, rushing for 20 more. The offense went right down the field, but failed near the goal line, turning the ball over on downs. A touchdown drive against the Chiefs would be a nice way to finish out the preseason for this offense.