Browns Place QB Dillon Gabriel on Injured Reserve, Keeping Three QBs on Initial Roster

The Cleveland Browns placed third-string quarterback Dillon Gabriel on injured reserve (IR) with a “designated to return” tag after he suffered a back injury in the preseason finale. The move, announced on August 30, 2026, clears a roster spot, allowing the team to start the season with three quarterbacks—Deshaun Watson, Shedeur Sanders, and rookie Taylen Green—on the 53-man roster. Gabriel must miss a minimum of four games before he can be re-activated.

USA Today

Cleveland entered the 2026 preseason with a crowded quarterback room. Veteran Deshaun Watson recovered from an Achilles injury and won the starting job. Shedeur Sanders, a second-year signal-caller, was named the primary backup. The team drafted Taylen Green, a sixth-round pick from Arkansas, as the third-string option.

USA Today

Dillon Gabriel, a third-round pick from Oregon in the 2025 draft, started six games as a rookie, posting 937 passing yards, seven touchdowns, two interceptions, and a 1-5 record. Limited preseason snaps in the first two games gave him only 19 attempts, but he earned the majority of playing time in the final preseason matchup.

Akron Beacon Journal

• Preseason finale (Gabriel): 12-of-15 completions, 186 yards, three touchdowns, passer rating 157.9.

Newsweek

• Rookie season (2025, Gabriel): 937 yards, seven touchdowns, two interceptions, 1-5 record.

Akron Beacon Journal

• Preseason debut (Green): 5-of-7 completions for 27 yards; 66 rushing yards on eight carries.

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Monken highlighted Green’s draft evaluation, stating that his size, speed, and arm talent “didn’t surprise” him.

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The move was first reported by Adam Schefter, who explained that Gabriel’s back injury was confirmed by an MRI and deemed serious enough for IR placement.

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Sources differ on the exact timeline for Gabriel’s return. USA Today reports that Gabriel could be eligible as early as Week 5, while other outlets emphasize the league-mandated minimum of four missed games.

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By moving Gabriel to IR, Cleveland retains control of all three quarterbacks without exposing any to waivers. The designation buys the organization time to evaluate Gabriel’s health and allows Green to develop as the emergency third quarterback.

Cleveland Browns make injury decision on their initial 53-man roster at the QB position

• “Browns QB Dillon Gabriel initially hurt his back during the preseason finale, had pain yesterday and underwent an MRI. The injury was notable enough to land him on injured reserve,” — Adam Schefter

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• “It didn’t surprise me, because that’s what you saw when you evaluated him for the draft,” — Todd Monken, new head coach

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