Dillon Gabriel returns to practice as Cleveland faces an interiguing quarterback roster decision following his injury absence.
The Cleveland Browns’ quarterback room is about to get even more crowded. Cleveland officially designated Dillon Gabriel for return from injured reserve Tuesday. That opens a 21-day window for the third-string quarterback to practice and potentially return to the active roster ahead of Week 5. Gabriel landed on IR during final roster cutdowns after suffering a back injury in Cleveland’s preseason finale. His return gives head coach Todd Monken another option. However, it also creates a difficult roster decision for general manager Andrew Berry.
Deshaun Watson remains firmly established as the starter. Shedeur Sanders and Taylen Green are currently the backups. Activating Gabriel would therefore force Cleveland to carry four quarterbacks on its 53-man roster unless the team makes another move. One possibility would be exposing Green to waivers in an attempt to place him on the practice squad. However, Cleveland risks losing the developmental passer to another quarterback-needy team. They can also explore trading any of those backups. Gabriel now has three weeks to prove he is ready while the Browns determine their best path forward.
Gabriel’s NFL career has already tested his patience and resilience. Cleveland selected the Oregon product in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft. He showed poise when called upon that season. He took over against Minnesota in London before a concussion ended his run and opened the door for Sanders. Gabriel entered 2026 with renewed momentum under Monken. He had a three-touchdown performance against New England in the preseason finale. That was before his back injury interrupted that progress. Now, after completing the mandatory four-game absence while Cleveland has surged to 3-1 behind Watson.
The Cleveland Browns’ quarterback room is about to get even more crowded. Cleveland officially designated Dillon Gabriel for return from injured reserve Tuesday. That opens a 21-day window for the third-string quarterback to practice and potentially return to the active roster ahead of Week 5.
