At this point, the Cleveland Browns are basically looking for a warm body to play quarterback. With injuries to Kenny Pickett, Shedeur Sanders, and Dillon Gabriel throughout camp, the team that already had five quarterbacks (Deshaun Watson and Joe Flacco) added a sixth last week just to have a backup option for the Week 1 preseason game.
Things won’t be much different today as Flacco (rest), Sanders (oblique), and Pickett (hamstring) will all miss the game. That means if, for some reason, Gabriel can’t go (which at this point is not anticipated), we will see a whole lot of Tyler Huntley, who likely won’t even make this roster.
Good morning from Lincoln Financial Field. Browns facing the Eagles in about five hours. As @JFowlerESPN reported, there is optimism rookie QB Dillon Gabriel (hamstring) will start today’s preseason game but he will be evaluated this morning.
— Daniel Oyefusi (@DanielOyefusi) August 16, 2025
No Joe Flacco (rest), Kenny Pickett… pic.twitter.com/b9BXalp7RO
What is more likely, based on reports for Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN, is that there is optimism we will get our first glance at the third-round rookie Gabriel. Unfortunately for Gabriel, the stage will be massive for him after Sanders had a strong outing vs. the Panthers.
I know it’s difficult for a fanbase that is so hungry for a quarterback, but it’s important not to judge Gabriel's entire career off his performance vs. the Eagles. This is a young kid who has missed a decent amount of practice and will be going against one of the league's top defenses.
It’s important for Kevin Stefanski to ease Gabriel into the game and try and find him a couple of easy completions. If that goes well, we may see the playbook open more and see a few balls thrown down the field.