- Dillon Gabriel
- #8
- Team CLE
- Pos QB
- Status AActive
-
Needed for one snap
Gabriel replaced starter Shedeur Sanders for one snap in Sunday's 26-8 loss to the 49ers in Week 13, completing his only pass attempt for zero yards.
Analysis: Gabriel was needed for one play when Sanders was required to leave the field following a sack during which he appeared to tweak his ankle. He was checked out by team trainers, triggering a mandatory removal, and Gabriel entered. Sanders will remain the starter for Week 14 against Tennessee.
Published: Mon, Dec 1 at 3:26am by Rotowire.com
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Will serve as No. 2 in Week 13
Gabriel will serve as the top backup to Shedeur Sanders in next Sunday's game against San Francisco, Zac Jackson of The Athletic reports.
Analysis: Sanders replaced an injured Gabriel on Sunday and guided the Browns to a 24-10 win over Las Vegas. Gabriel, who cleared the concussion protocol Monday, will operate as the backup. Cleveland head coach Kevin Stefanski said that he's "not looking past this week," suggesting the two rookie QBs could flip spots on the depth chart at any point.
Published: Mon, Nov 24 at 4:48pm by Rotowire.com
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Clears concussion protocol
Gabriel cleared the concussion protocol Monday, Mary Kay Cabot of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.
Analysis: However, Gabriel is expected to lose his starting job to Shedeur Sanders, who is likely to be named the Browns' QB1 for next Sunday's Week 13 game versus San Francisco, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. Gabriel showed very little in his time under center, refusing to challenge defenses deep or away from the line of scrimmage, resulting in 5.1 yards per pass attempt. Across eight games this season, including six starts, Gabriel has completed just 59.2 percent of his 184 pass attempts for…read more
Published: Mon, Nov 24 at 10:40am by Rotowire.com
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Coach won't yet name QB for Week 13
Following Sunday's win over the Raiders, coach Kevin Stefanski was noncommittal on a starting quarterback for next Sunday's Week 13 game against the 49ers, Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN.com reports.
Analysis: With Dillon Gabriel sidelined against Las Vegas due to a concussion suffered the previous week, Shedeur Sanders got the starting nod under center and was okay, completing just 11 of 20 passes (55 percent) for 209 yards, one touchdown and one interception in the 24-10 victory. His highlight throw was a 52-yard deep shot to Isaiah Bond down to the two-yard line. Sanders' touchdown was a dump-off to Dylan Sampson, which Sampson then took 66 yards to the end zone. Sanders' completion percentage…read more
Published: Mon, Nov 24 at 9:44am by Rotowire.com
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Ruled out for Week 12
Gabriel (concussion) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Raiders, Mary Kay Cabot of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.
Analysis: That said, per Zac Jackson of The Athletic, coach Kevin Stefanski indicated Friday that the QB -- who has yet to fully clear concussion protocol -- "continues to get better...doing great." Gabriel's next chance to see game action will arrive Sunday, Nov. 30 against the 49ers, with Shedeur Sanders slated to start Sunday, backed up by Bailey Zappe.
Published: Fri, Nov 21 at 10:21am by Rotowire.com
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Practicing but still in protocol
Gabriel (concussion) is practicing Friday, but he has yet to fully clear the NFL's five-step concussion protocol, Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.
Analysis: Shedeur Sanders has already been declared the starting quarterback for Sunday's game against the Raiders, but Gabriel still has a chance to be available in a backup role. Gabriel would have to clear concussion protocol to be active Sunday, which would involve practicing without limitations Friday and subsequently gaining clearance from an independent neurologist. If Gabriel's ultimately ruled out, Bailey Zappe would likely work as Sanders' backup Sunday.
Published: Fri, Nov 21 at 9:33am by Rotowire.com
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Absent from practice Thursday
Gabriel (concussion) is not practicing Thursday, Scott Petrak of the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram reports.
Analysis: Browns coach Kevin Stefanski has already unannounced that Gabriel will not start Sunday versus the Raiders even if available, but by all accounts the rookie third-round pick seems on track to sit out Week 12 while in the concussion protocol. Meanwhile, Shedeur Sanders will start versus Las Vegas. Gabriel will have one more chance to log practice reps Friday, but in the likely even that he's ruled out, Bailey Zappe will figure to be elevated from the practice squad to handle No. 2 reps behind…read more
Published: Thu, Nov 20 at 11:05am by Rotowire.com
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Won't start Sunday
With Gabriel still in concussion protocol, per Scott Petrak of the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram, Shedeur Sanders will draw the start at quarterback for the Browns on Sunday against the Raiders.
Analysis: When asked what the Browns' QB plans are after Week 12, coach Kevin Stefanski noted that at this stage he won't look beyond Sunday's contest. In any case, Gabriel is not in line to practice Wednesday, while Sanders is poised to make his first career regular-season start this weekend.
Published: Wed, Nov 19 at 8:26am by Rotowire.com
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Update coming Wednesday
Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski said Monday that Gabriel remains in the NFL's concussion protocol and that he will provide an update about the team's plans at quarterback Wednesday, Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN.com reports.
Analysis: Gabriel suffered a concussion during Cleveland's loss to the Steelers on Sunday, paving the way for Shedeur Sanders to take over in relief to begin the third quarter. Neither rookie was particularly effective, with Gabriel completing seven of 10 pass attempts for 68 yards without a touchdown or INT, and Sanders completing four of 16 pass attempts for 47 yards and an interception. If Gabriel isn't able to make some sort of tangible step in his recovery by the time the Browns return to practice…read more
Published: Mon, Nov 17 at 10:27am by Rotowire.com
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Not returning to Sunday's contest
Gabriel (concussion) won't return to Sunday's game against the Ravens.
Analysis: With Gabriel out for the remainder of Sunday's contest, Shedeur Sanders will handle the Browns' QB duties versus the Ravens. Gabriel will thus look to gain medical clearance ahead of next weekend's contest against the Raiders.
Published: Sun, Nov 16 at 3:25pm by Rotowire.com
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Exits Sunday's game
Gabriel is being evaluated for a possible concussion during Sunday's game against the Ravens.
Analysis: With Gabriel out of the contest, Shedeur Sanders is in at QB for the Browns. Prior to his exit, Gabriel completed seven of his 10 pass attempts for 68 yards and carried twice for two yards.
Published: Sun, Nov 16 at 3:12pm by Rotowire.com
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Holds job for another week
Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski said immediately following Sunday's loss to the Jets that Gabriel will remain the starting quarterback Week 11 against Baltimore, Zac Jackson of The Athletic reports.
Analysis: That Stefanski will stick with Gabriel, despite mounting evidence that the rookie is out of his depth, could indicate his confidence level in backup Shedeur Sanders. Gabriel had a few good moments in the Week 10 loss when new play-caller, offensive coordinator Tommy Rees, added more designed rollouts. That resulted in No. 1 wideout Jerry Jeudy getting his hands on the ball more often and a season-high 54 yards rushing for the quarterback, but opposing defenses are not being challenged. Gabriel…read more
Published: Wed, Nov 12 at 4:12am by Rotowire.com
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Modest output in Week 10 loss
Gabriel completed 17 of 32 passes for 167 yards and two touchdowns in Sunday's 27-20 loss to the Jets. He added five rushing attempts for 54 yards.
Analysis: Gabriel opened the scoring with a nine-yard touchdown pass to David Njoku and connected with Jerry Jeudy for a 22-yard touchdown in the second quarter, but the rookie quarterback completed only 11 of 23 first-half passes for 125 yards. Cleveland's offense struggled in the second half even as Gabriel's accuracy improved slightly, and he came up short of 200 passing yards for the fourth time in five starts as the Browns fell to 2-7 overall. Per Brad Stainbrook of the Browns' official site, head…read more
Published: Sun, Nov 9 at 1:55pm by Rotowire.com
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Will hear new voice calling plays
Gabriel will be hearing the voice of first-year offensive coordinator Tommy Rees calling plays this week against the Jets, Zac Jackson of The Athletic reports.
Analysis: Cleveland head coach Kevin Stefanski gave up play-calling duties for a second straight season, citing a need to create explosive plays and fix trouble areas. And there are many areas that need fixing. Beyond a rotating cast of starters on the offensive line, Gabriel has been limited to mostly short passes by an unexciting and unproductive group of wide receivers. The rookie quarterback told Chris Easterling of the Akron Beacon Journal that he hasn't noticed much change in the day-to-day…read more
Published: Thu, Nov 6 at 4:52am by Rotowire.com
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Confirmed starter following bye
Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski said Sunday that he will stick with Gabriel at quarterback following the Week 9 bye, Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.
Analysis: Gabriel had a few good moments during Cleveland's 32-13 loss to the Patriots, including a pair of touchdown strikes, his first since Week 5. Unfortunately for the Browns, the rookie threw two interceptions and was whistled for a safety in the fourth quarter when he intentionally grounded a pass while in his own end zone. If Stefanski eventually makes a change, Gabriel would likely be replaced by Shedeur Sanders, who was inactive Week 8 due to a back injury,
Published: Sun, Oct 26 at 3:25pm by Rotowire.com
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Mixed bag in big loss
Gabriel completed 21 of 35 passes for 156 yards and two touchdowns with two interceptions in Sunday's 32-13 loss to the Patriots. He added 13 yards on his only carry.
Analysis: The rookie QB barely involved his wide receivers in the game plan, as just three of his 21 completions went to WRs, and his two TDs went to tight ends Harold Fannin and David Njoku. Gabriel also threw the first two INTs of his NFL career however, and he's failed to reach 200 passing yards in three of his four starts since replacing Joe Flacco under center for the Browns. Gabriel will get a chance to regroup on the team's Week 9 bye before taking on the struggling Jets in Week 10.
Published: Sun, Oct 26 at 2:39pm by Rotowire.com
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Plays game-manager role in win
Gabriel completed 13 of 18 passes for 116 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions and rushed four times for 12 yards in the Browns' 31-6 win over the Dolphins on Sunday.
Analysis: The rookie wasn't asked to do much, and the fact the Browns were able to jump out to a 17-6 halftime lead gave head coach Kevin Stefanski flexibility in how he deployed his young signal-caller. Quinshon Judkins, who scored three rushing touchdowns, and the Browns defense, which picked off Tua Tagovailoa three times and also recorded a pair of sacks, did most of the heavy lifting, leading to Gabriel's lowest passing yardage total yet in three games as a starter. The 2025 third-round pick will…read more
Published: Sun, Oct 19 at 6:09pm by Rotowire.com
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Can't get going in Pittsburgh
Gabriel completed 29 of 52 passes for 221 yards, no touchdowns and no interceptions in Sunday's 23-9 loss to the Steelers.
Analysis: Gabriel was constantly under pressure, taking six sacks while averaging only 4.25 yards per attempt. Positively, he did continue to show a connection with fellow rookie tight end Harold Fannin, as the duo connected for a 25-yard gain -- the longest of the day for both Gabriel and the team. Gabriel should have the chance to put together a better performance in Week 7 when the Browns host the Dolphins.
Published: Sun, Oct 12 at 9:31pm by Rotowire.com
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Solid in first NFL start
Gabriel completed 19 of 33 passes for 190 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions in Sunday's 21-17 loss to the Vikings. He added two rushes for five yards.
Analysis: Gabriel drew his first NFL start in a tough situation, traveling overseas to London while facing one of the more intricate defenses in the league. He handled himself well, as he didn't turn the ball over and was sacked only twice. While Gabriel primarily worked in the short areas of the field, he did manage a pair of completions of more than 20 yards and led two lengthy touchdown drives. There will still be plenty of chatter about the quarterback situation in Cleveland, but Gabriel made a…read more
Published: Sun, Oct 5 at 10:17am by Rotowire.com
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Taking over as starter
The Browns announced that Gabriel will start Sunday's game against the Vikings in London, Kelsey Russo of the team's official site reports.
Analysis: Per Adam Schefter of ESPN, the rookie third-round pick will take over the top job from Joe Flacco, who will move into the No. 2 role, who led the Browns to a 1-3 record through the first four games of the season. Fellow rookie Shedeur Sanders, meanwhile, will remain third on the depth chart. Gabriel possesses more mobility than Flacco, who had been hit 19 times over the last two games according to Cleveland.com. The signal-caller's ability to provide some scrambling ability could prove to be…read more
Published: Wed, Oct 1 at 5:33am by Rotowire.com
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Looks headed for Week 5 start
Gabriel is expected to replace Joe Flacco as the Browns' starting quarterback beginning with Sunday's game against the Vikings in London, Matt Zenitz of CBSSports.com reports.
Analysis: After limping to a 1-3 start to the season while failing to score more than 17 points in any game under Flacco's direction, the Browns look set to turn the offense over to Gabriel. The FBS career leader with 155 touchdown passes over a six-year collegiate career that included stops at UCF, Oklahoma and Oregon, Gabriel beat out fellow rookie Shedeur Sanders for the top backup role coming out of training camp. Gabriel -- who has completed three of four pass attempts for 19 yards and a touchdown…read more
Published: Tue, Sep 30 at 1:04pm by Rotowire.com
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Leads final possession
Gabriel played three snaps and tossed an incompletion on his lone pass attempt in Sunday's 34-10 loss to the Lions.
Analysis: Gabriel replaced starter Joe Flacco for the inconsequential final drive of the day. Cleveland's offense once again sputtered, scoring its fewest points of the season Sunday to bring its average to 14.0 points per game through four weeks. While the offense's struggles can't entirely be blamed on Flacco -- the Browns started their fourth different offensive line combination in four games, and the receivers' room is thin and plagued by drops -- the writing is on the wall for a potential change at…read more
Published: Mon, Sep 29 at 5:35am by Rotowire.com
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Leads garbage-time drive
Gabriel completed three of three passes for 19 yards and threw a touchdown pass in Sunday's 41-17 loss to Baltimore in Week 2.
Analysis: The Browns' offense stumbled for a second consecutive week, and starting quarterback Joe Flacco was eventually removed late in the fourth quarter with the Ravens up by 31 points. Gabriel entered for the Browns' final possession, which ended with the rookie quarterback's eight-yard touchdown pass to fellow rookie Dylan Sampson. Cleveland head coach Kevin Stefanski told Zac Jackson of The Athletic that he's not considering a quarterback change. That may be the case in September, but the Browns'…read more
Published: Sun, Sep 14 at 6:56pm by Rotowire.com
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Named No. 2 quarterback
Gabriel will begin the regular season as the No. 2 quarterback behind Joe Flacco, Zac Jackson of The Athletic reports.
Analysis: Fellow rookie Shedeur Sanders will operate as the emergency No. 3 option. A hamstring injury forced Gabriel to sit out the Browns' preseason opener, but he returned for the team's final two exhibition matchups and looked solid, completing a combined 25 of 37 passes for 272 yards, one touchdown and one interception.
Published: Tue, Aug 26 at 1:39pm by Rotowire.com
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Tosses TD in preseason finale
Gabriel completed 12 of 19 passes for 129 yards and a touchdown in Saturday's 19-17 preseason win over the Rams.
Analysis: Entering the game in the second quarter after No. 1 quarterback Joe Flacco handled the Browns' first three drives, Gabriel quickly led the team to 10 points before halftime, highlighted by a three-yard TD toss to Gage Larvadain with 17 seconds left on the clock. The absence of Kenny Pickett (hamstring) during training camp and the preseason has provided Gabriel with valuable reps, and the 2025 third-round pick has rarely looked out of place. Fellow rookie Shedeur Sanders remains in the mix for…read more
Published: Sat, Aug 23 at 3:54pm by Rotowire.com
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Entering second vs. Rams
Browns head coach Kevin Stefansk said Thursday that Gabriel is set to play in Saturday's preseason finale against the Rams, entering the game second, after starter Joe Flacco and before Shedeur Sanders, Mary Kay Cabot of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.
Analysis: Gabriel and Sanders are competing for slotting behind Flacco, who has already been named the Week 1 starter and is in line to handle 25-30 snaps with the first-team offense Saturday. Meanwhile, Kenny Pickett (hamstring) will miss a third consecutive preseason game due to injury, per Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN.com. With roster cut-downs on deck next week, Saturday's game represents a crucial opportunity for both Gabriel and Sanders to put good reps on tape as they vie with Pickett for depth chart…read more
Published: Thu, Aug 21 at 10:30am by Rotowire.com
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Competing for backup slotting
With Joe Flacco having been named the Browns' starting QB on Monday, per Kelsey Russo of the team's official site, Gabriel now will turn his focus to competing for backup slotting behind the veteran signal-caller.
Analysis: Unlike Kenny Pickett (hamstring) and Shedeur Sanders (oblique), Gabriel played in Saturday's 22-13 preseason win over the Eagles. With Flacco locked in as Cleveland's QB1 to begin the regular season, it remains to be seen who will be his top backup Sunday, Sept. 7 against the Bengals, but look for things to get competitive on that front once both Pickett and Sanders resume practicing fully.
Published: Mon, Aug 18 at 10:27am by Rotowire.com
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Two turnovers in Saturday's start
Gabriel completed 13 of 18 passes for 143 yards and an interception in Saturday's 22-13 preseason win over the Eagles. He also gained one yard and lost a fumble on two carries.
Analysis: The 2025 third-round pick looked good at times while playing the entire first half for the Browns, leading the team to three scores on five possessions, but he also made a poor decision on a pick-six that snuffed out a drive deep in Philly territory in the first quarter and botched a handoff to Pierre Strong in the second. Gabriel will continue to get valuable reps while Kenny Pickett (hamstring) and Shedeur Sanders (oblique) are sidelined, but based on Saturday's performance, he's still a long…read more
Published: Sat, Aug 16 at 2:39pm by Rotowire.com
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In line for Saturday start
The Browns expect Gabriel (hamstring) to start Saturday's preseason matchup against the Eagles, Zac Jackson of The Athletic reports.
Analysis: Gabriel's lingering hamstring injury appears to be holding up well during pre-game warmups, paving the way for him to make his preseason debut on the road against Philadelphia. With anticipated Week 1 starter Joe Flacco resting Saturday, Shedeur Sanders (oblique) ruled out and Kenny Pickett (hamstring) having been limited to 7-on-7 drills at practice this week, Gabriel and Tyler Huntley could be Cleveland's only available quarterbacks versus Philadelphia, potentially positioning the rookie…read more
Published: Sat, Aug 16 at 7:58am by Rotowire.com
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Will start if hamstring feels good
Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said Thursday that Gabriel will start Saturday's preseason game against the Eagles as long as his lingering hamstring injury doesn't act up in pre-game workouts or after practice, Mary Kay Cabot of cleveland.com reports.
Analysis: Gabriel has been participating in 11-on-11 drills since Monday, so his hamstring injury doesn't appear to be hampering him much. In all likelihood, the Browns are simply taking extra precautions toward the rookie third-rounder's recovery, with Shedeur Sanders (oblique) and Kenny Pickett (hamstring) already expected to miss Saturday's game due to injury, and veteran Joe Flacco in line to rest. If Gabriel is able to start, he'll be relieved by Tyler Huntley. If the rookie can't go, however,…read more
Published: Thu, Aug 14 at 7:41am by Rotowire.com
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Could get chance to start Saturday
Gabriel has an opportunity to potentially start Saturday's preseason game against the Eagles with Shedeur Sanders (oblique) and Kenny Pickett (hamstring) both nursing injuries, Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN.com reports.
Analysis: Browns coach Kevin Stefanski hasn't yet named a starter for Saturday's exhibition matchup, but with Sanders and Pickett both banged-up and Joe Flacco expected to rest, Gabriel seems a likely candidate to not only start but potentially handle a substantial amount of expanded reps. Deshaun Watson (Achilles) remains on the active/PUP list, meaning the only other healthy quarterback currently on the roster able to challenge Gabriel for playing time Saturday is Tyler Huntley. Gabriel missed…read more
Published: Wed, Aug 13 at 1:12pm by Rotowire.com
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Ready for team drills
Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said Monday that Gabriel (hamstring) will participate in 11-on-11 drills, Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN.com reports.
Analysis: Gabriel had been limited in practice for roughly a week due to a hamstring injury, which also forced him to sit out Friday's preseason opener against the Panthers, but he now appears back to full health. With Gabriel, Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett (hamstring) and Deshaun Watson (Achilles) all sidelined versus Carolina, fellow rookie Shedeur Sanders got a chance to log substantial exhibition action and impressed with two touchdown passes. Gabriel may have to make up lost ground in Saturday's road…read more
Published: Mon, Aug 11 at 6:24am by Rotowire.com
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Absent from team drills
Gabriel (hamstring) won't participate in 11-on-11 drills Wednesday, Mary Kay Cabot of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.
Analysis: Gabriel is one of three Browns quarterbacks who won't play in Friday's preseason opener in Carolina, with Shedeur Sandersand Tyler Huntley set to see action in the contest. The 2025 third-round pick sustained a hamstring injury in practice last Saturday and won't push it for the remainder of the week. He is still competing for his spot on the roster in what is a very crowded quarterback room.
Published: Wed, Aug 6 at 8:54am by Rotowire.com
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Limited Monday due to hamstring
Gabriel (hamstring) will be limited in Monday's practice, per coach Kevin Stefanski, Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN.com reports.
Analysis: Stefanski also told Oyefusi that Gabriel sustained and reported the hamstring injury in practice Saturday. Shedeur Sanders (arm) is returning to full participation Monday alongside Joe Flacco, while Gabriel's limited participation in team drills will be more than Kenny Pickett (hamstring) puts forth. It remains to be seen what combination of the four quarterback Cleveland deploys in its preseason opener Thursday against the Panthers.
Published: Mon, Aug 4 at 10:53am by Rotowire.com
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Mixes in behind Flacco
Though Joe Flacco handled the bulk of the first-team QB reps during team drills Friday, Gabriel mixed in with the first unit as well, Dan Labbe of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.
Analysis: That's an arrangement that had had been in play while Kenny Pickett dealt with a hamstring issue. However, with Pickett back on the field Friday -- albeit in a limited fashion -- we'd expect a return to Flacco and Pickett sharing most of the first-team work in practice before long, with Gabriel mixing in to a lesser degree while Shedeur Sanders gets reps with the second- or third-team offense.
Published: Fri, Aug 1 at 1:54pm by Rotowire.com
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Getting some first-team reps
Gabriel has gotten reps with the first-team offense and faced the first-team defense during mandatory minicamp, Zac Jackson of The Athletic reports.
Analysis: As veterans, both Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett have been first in line for reps during minicamp. However, Flacco has observed large portions of the session due to his veteran status, allowing Gabriel to get valuable reps. Jackson noted that Gabriel has struggled early on in the practices but has gotten better as the days have progressed.
Published: Thu, Jun 12 at 8:01pm by Rotowire.com
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