​Cleveland Browns quarterback Dillon Gabriel can return to practice. GettyCleveland Browns quarterback Dillon Gabriel put up three touchdowns in his lone preseason start against the Patriots. GettyCLEVELAND, OHIO – SEPTEMBER 27: Deshaun Watson #4 of the Cleveland Browns re-enters the game for Shedeur Sanders #2 during the fourth quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Huntington Bank Field on September 27, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images) GettyThe Cleveland Browns are giving Dillon Gabriel more time before bringing him back to the active roster.The second-year quarterback was ruled out Friday for Cleveland’s Week 5 matchup against the New York Jets. Gabriel returned to practice Wednesday following a stint on injured reserve with a back injury, but he will not be activated to the 53-man roster for Sunday’s game.The decision gives Gabriel another week to get comfortable on the field and delays a roster squeeze at quarterback. Deshaun Watson, Shedeur Sanders and rookie Taylen Green already occupy spots on the active roster.Head coach Todd Monken indicated earlier in the week that Cleveland felt little urgency to activate Gabriel. The Browns opened his return window this week, allowing him to practice while remaining on injured reserve.“Get him out there, practice, see where he’s at with his back, and get the reps that we can get,” Monken said during his October 7 news conference.Monken said much of that work would come through individual drills and scout-team reps. For Gabriel, the immediate opportunity is to get back into a routine after missing the first four games.Dillon Gabriel Has Time to Work Toward Browns ReturnGettyCleveland Browns quarterback Dillon Gabriel put up three touchdowns in his lone preseason start against the Patriots.
The Browns announced Gabriel’s eligibility to return to practice Tuesday. His 21-day window gives Cleveland time to assess his progress before deciding whether to activate him. If he is not activated before that window expires, he will remain on injured reserve for the rest of the season.Gabriel landed on IR after injuring his back during the preseason finale against the New England Patriots. That outing had given him something to build on: he completed 12 of 15 passes for 186 yards and three touchdowns.
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Gabriel started six games as a rookie in 2025, completing 59.5% of his passes for 937 yards, seven touchdowns and two interceptions. His next role will depend on both his recovery and how Cleveland arranges the depth behind Watson. Gabriel is not expected to leapfrog Sanders for the No. 2 spot, but the Browns have revealed little about their quarterback depth and the decision to keep four passers on the roster.Browns Still Face Decision on Four QuarterbacksGettyDeshaun Watson of the Cleveland Browns re-enters the game for Shedeur Sanders during the fourth quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Huntington Bank Field.
Gabriel’s