Dillon Gabriel etched his name in the preseason record books for the Browns, connecting on his first NFL touchdown in Cleveland’s finale. The rookie quarterback capped a textbook two-minute drill by lofting a three-yard score to Gage Larvadian as the first-half clock expired.
Gabriel stepped in for the second quarter as Joe Flacco handled the opening quarterback duties in the final preseason test. He delivered an efficient two drives in the opening half, finishing 12-for-19 for 129 yards and a touchdown, a performance that continued his encouraging summer with Cleveland.
The moment underscored a quarterback room that has been reshaped this year. Cleveland recruited Flacco in free agency and added Kenny Pickett, then drafted Gabriel in the third round and selected Shedeur Sanders in the fifth. That quartet has the Browns debating how many they will carry on the active roster. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler noted that, while nothing is final, Cleveland could conceivably keep four signal-callers and might even consider placing Pickett on a short-term IR if needed, depending on how the rookies perform.
Fowler added that the Browns plan to balance reps in the upcoming preseason game: give starters 20 to 25 reps, then rotate to Gabriel for a second look, followed by Sanders. Flacco will also work in, as Cleveland weighs its long-term and week-to-week needs at the position.
Cleveland now shifts its focus to the regular season opener on Sept. 7, when the Browns visit the Cincinnati Bengals.
What this means for Cleveland’s QB room:
– Gabriel’s progress, alongside Sanders, gives the Browns a compelling development track behind the veterans.
– The presence of four quarterbacks would require careful roster management but could provide depth and insurance throughout the season.
– Pickett’s health and the coaching staff’s willingness to carry multiple passers will influence early-season plans, including potential short-term IR considerations.
– The Browns have a clear plan to evaluate both rookies in a high-leverage setting, balancing growth with readiness for Week 1.
Summary: Dillon Gabriel’s first NFL touchdown and his strong preseason showing contribute to a competitive, multi-hurdle quarterback battle in Cleveland, with the team weighing how to best harness the depth and potential at the position as they head toward the season opener. The mood is cautiously optimistic about the young quarterbacks and the team’s overall depth at a pivotal position. Positive momentum from these performances could energize the locker room as Cleveland prepares for September.