Dillon Gabriel is officially back at practice for the Browns, hitting the field after being placed on injured reserve with a back issue way back in late August. That’s big news for a guy coming off an injury, but here’s the kicker: Cleveland isn’t exactly rushing to get him back on the 53-man roster.
Monken’s Patient Approach With Gabriel’s Return
Head coach Todd Monken laid out the team’s surprisingly calm approach, emphasizing a three-week timeline to evaluate where Gabriel stands. “Get him out there, practice, see where he’s at with his back, and get the reps that we can get,” Monken told the press. He made it clear these reps will mostly be with the “look squad” or individual drills. Still, Monken expressed some positive sentiment, adding, “But I look forward to seeing him back out there.” It sounds like a cautious reintegration, not a rapid deployment.
The Quarterback Room Is Already Packed
The Browns’ current active roster already boasts starting QB Deshaun Watson, backup Shedeur Sanders, and rookie Taylen Green. That’s three signal-callers, and adding Gabriel would mean a crowded quarterback room. When pressed on the possibility of carrying four QBs, Monken was unfazed. “I don’t have to feel anything at this point,” he stated plainly, reiterating, “We still have three weeks.” It’s clear the team is taking their time, weighing their options, and not feeling any pressure to make a snap decision.
Looking Back At Gabriel’s Rookie Numbers
Gabriel isn’t a total unknown, though. He got some decent experience last year as a rookie, starting six games and making a total of 10 appearances. In those outings, he completed 59.5 percent of his passes for 937 yards, throwing seven touchdowns against just two interceptions. Those numbers show he can produce, but the current depth chart and Monken’s timeline suggest Gabriel has a real opportunity over these next three weeks to show he’s fully healthy and ready to contribute again. The clock is ticking for him to make his case.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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