Browns' Todd Monken Puts Week 1 Backup QB Speculation to Bed

The Cleveland Browns entered Week 1 with most of the key decisions finalized as far as the depth chart is concerned. Still, speculation swirled about a few key areas, starting with the backup quarterback role. 

Questions about who would suit up for Cleveland against the Jacksonville Jaguars arose on Monday, after Monken was asked whether or not the he could activate third-string quarterback Taylen Green to deploy in a special package to utilize his unique athleticism. 

Monken said it's a possibility and then answered a follow-up question, saying that having three active QBs on game day is a lot. That left some wondering if he could potentially be active in the role as the primary backup to Deshaun Watson over Shedeur Sanders, something he put to bed very quickly on Wednesday when asked if he anticipates Sanders being the No. 2 quarterback on Sunday. 

"I do," he asserted. 

It was always a far-fetched idea to believe Green, a rookie sixth-round pick, who took very few meaningful reps during training camp and the preseason would be ready to serve as Watson's primary backup in his first NFL game. Now, it's been vocalized. 

With that conversation over, Monken was also asked about the starting right guard spot, which remained the only unresolved o-line role. As recently as last week, Monken indicated veteran Teven Jenkins and rookie Austin Barber were still battling for the role. 

On Wedneday, Monken shined some necessary light on the situation, just days away from the first game of the season. 

"We anticipate Teven [Jenkins] being our starting right guard, but again, we’d like to see it play out the rest of the week," said Monken. "Like with any player, we don’t know. We’re practicing, we’re in pads today ... You don’t know. That’s why you practice. Between your 53 and your practice squad, everybody’s got to be ready to play, because when you go out and practice, you don’t know."

Monken's comments came before practice, where all 53 active players were participants. Jenkins however, was seen heading inside with a trainer after appearing to get tripped up during o-line drills early on in practice. 

What that means for his Week 1 status remains to be seen, but according to Monken, Jenkins is in line to start if he's okay. If he's not, then the o-line shuffling may be starting early this year, with Barber getting his first crack as a starter as a rookie.