The Browns announced that Gabriel will miss their Week 6 game against the Baltimore Ravens. The second-year quarterback is working back from a back injury and was a full participant in all three practice sessions this week. He returned to practice last week, starting a 21-day window to be activated from injured reserve. That window is in play, but the team still has time to decide on his roster status. Returning to practice does not automatically force a move to the 53-man roster.
With Deshaun Watson starting, Shedeur Sanders serving as his backup, and rookie Taylen Green available behind them, Cleveland has sufficient depth to avoid rushing a decision. All three remain on the current depth chart. Keeping Gabriel on injured reserve through the Ravens game allows the Browns to continue evaluating their quarterback situation while postponing how to accommodate a fourth quarterback.
Gabriel had shown promise before his back injury. He finished the preseason with a solid outing, completing 12 of 15 passes for 186 yards and three touchdowns in a 37-13 victory over the New England Patriots. The performance gave head coach Todd Monken a strong look at Gabriel after Watson had already been named the starter. Monken praised the effort, noting that Gabriel and the surrounding players performed well and leveraged their opportunities.
The Browns placed Gabriel on injured reserve with a designation to return, keeping him within the organization while opening the season with three quarterbacks on the active roster. Gabriel also brings starting experience, having appeared in 10 games and started six as a rookie in 2025, with 937 passing yards, seven touchdowns, and two interceptions on a 59.5% completion rate. He was sacked 19 times and posted an 80.8 passer rating. His preseason finish provided another reason for Cleveland to continue his development.
Browns management appears inclined to keep a crowded quarterback room intact. The prevailing plan is to retain all four quarterbacks, though circumstances could change before the trade deadline. Keeping four signal-callers would preserve depth but would require one extra roster spot, which could necessitate moving a player or adjusting the quarterback group if Gabriel is activated.
For now, Cleveland will proceed with its three-quarterback rotation against Baltimore, but a decision on Gabriel’s activation remains imminent.
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