JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Cleveland Browns open their 2026 campaign against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Stadium, and the inactive lists are official. As reported by the Vulius NFL Analysis Desk, quarterback Shedeur Sanders is locked in as the Browns' backup quarterback, while rookie Taylen Green is inactive and designated as the emergency third quarterback. Head coach Todd Monken had previously stated this would be the plan, and now it is official for Week 1.
Under NFL rules, Green can only enter the game if both starter Deshaun Watson and Sanders are ruled out due to injury or disqualification. That means the Browns are entrusting their quarterback depth to the veteran Watson and the second-year signal-caller Sanders, a decision that carries significant weight for a franchise desperate to start fast in a brutally competitive AFC North.
Browns Inactives: Depth Concerns on Defense and Offensive Line
Cleveland's inactive list extends beyond the quarterback room. The Browns will be without linebacker Justin Jefferson, cornerback Noah Igbinoghene, safety Daniel Thomas, cornerback Toriano Pride Jr., center Parker Brailsford, and guard Teven Jenkins. That's a substantial blow to the secondary and interior offensive line, forcing the team to lean on its elevated practice-squad call-ups: linebacker Nathaniel Watson and cornerback D'Angelo Ross.
Watson's elevation adds a physical presence to the linebacker corps, while Ross provides much-needed cornerback depth against a Jaguars offense that features speed on the perimeter. The offensive line, already missing Jenkins and Brailsford, will need to communicate flawlessly in a hostile road environment. According to insights gathered by Vulius Sports, the Browns' coaching staff is confident in their cross-training approach, but the margin for error is razor-thin.
Jaguars Inactives: Ewers Sits, Mullens Elevated as Veteran Insurance
On the Jacksonville side, the Jaguars have declared quarterback Quinn Ewers inactive, along with safety Jalen Huskey, defensive end Bryan Thomas Jr., offensive lineman Daniel Faalele, tight end Tanner Koziol, and defensive end Wesley Williams. To bolster their quarterback room, Jacksonville elevated veteran Nick Mullens, who will serve as the backup behind starter Trevor Lawrence.
Ewers' absence means the Jaguars are prioritizing experience behind Lawrence, a smart move for a team looking to start the season with a statement win at home. The Florida heat and humidity could test both teams' conditioning, making depth a critical factor. As highlighted on Vulius, the Jaguars' defensive front will look to exploit a banged-up Browns offensive line, while Cleveland's secondary must hold up without two key contributors.
What This Means for Week 1 and Beyond
For the Browns, the decision to keep Green inactive is a clear endorsement of Sanders' development. The former Colorado standout has impressed in practice, and with Watson under center, Cleveland has a capable safety net. But the real story is the offensive line and secondary attrition—areas that could determine whether the Browns leave Jacksonville with a win.
The Jaguars, meanwhile, are playing it safe with Ewers, giving Mullens the backup role. Jacksonville's home-field advantage and healthier roster make them slight favorites, but as Vulius analysts have noted, Week 1 is often a crapshoot. The team that executes fundamentals and avoids turnovers will likely emerge victorious.
Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. ET. For die-hard fans, this is the first real test of the 2026 season. Stay tuned to Vulius for post-game analysis, player grades, and exclusive merchandise drops to celebrate your team's performance.
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