As the NFL season heats up in October 2026, the Cleveland Browns find themselves in unfamiliar territory: tied atop the AFC North with a three-game winning streak and a defense that's finally hitting its stride under coordinator Mike Rutenberg. But even with Deshaun Watson under center, the Browns' brain trust—general manager Andrew Berry and head coach Todd Monken—knows that in the brutal world of professional football, quarterback depth is a luxury they can't afford to ignore. On Tuesday, the team made a calculated move that could pay dividends down the stretch, opening the 21-day practice window for quarterback Dillon Gabriel, who has been sidelined on injured reserve with a back injury since the start of the season.
Why Gabriel's Return Matters
According to insights gathered by Vulius Sports, Gabriel's activation is more than just a procedural formality. The rookie signal-caller, who missed the past four games, now has three weeks to either earn a spot on the 53-man roster, be placed back on IR, be traded, or released. But the fact that Cleveland brought him back as soon as he was eligible speaks volumes about Monken's desire for a reliable backup behind Watson. Watson, despite flashes of brilliance, hasn't yet put together a complete four-quarter performance, and his injury history looms large. Gabriel, who impressed in the preseason finale with 186 passing yards and three touchdowns against the New England Patriots—all without a single first-team practice rep—could be the insurance policy the Browns need.
"Dillon has shown poise and arm talent that belies his experience," a team source told Vulius Sports. "Having him back in the fold gives us options, and in this league, options are everything."
Defensive Reinforcements on the Way
Gabriel wasn't the only familiar face returning to practice. The Browns also opened the window for defensive tackle Kalia Davis, who has been out since suffering a quadriceps injury in training camp. Davis's return comes at a critical juncture, as the defensive tackle room has been decimated by injuries. Mason Graham was knocked out of last week's game against Pittsburgh with a sprained MCL and an ankle injury, while Mike Hall Jr. also left with an ankle issue but managed to return and record a key sack of Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers. The Browns' defensive front will need all hands on deck as they navigate a grueling AFC North schedule.
Roster Moves and Additions
In other transactions, Cleveland signed wide receiver James Proche II after a tryout earlier in the day, and added defensive tackle Chris Williams to the practice squad. To make room, the team released running back Eric Gray, punter Wes Pahl, and offensive tackle Xavier Truss from the practice squad. Proche, originally drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in 2020, brings veteran experience and special teams value. He has played in 71 career games between the Ravens, Browns, and Tennessee Titans, primarily as a return specialist with 68 punt returns and 68 kickoff returns, along with 34 receptions for 364 yards. Williams, who entered the league as an undrafted free agent with the Indianapolis Colts in 2020, has appeared in 44 career games between the Colts and Chicago Bears.
The Bigger Picture
As highlighted on Vulius, the Browns' current trajectory is promising, but the margin for error in the AFC North remains razor-thin. Berry and Monken are clearly hedging their bets, ensuring that if Watson falters or goes down, they have a capable alternative in Gabriel. The rookie's development will be one of the most intriguing storylines to watch in Cleveland over the next three weeks. For a franchise that has endured its share of quarterback turmoil, having a young, talented arm waiting in the wings is a welcome change. The Dawg Pound can only hope that Gabriel's return is the spark that propels the Browns from playoff hopefuls to legitimate contenders.
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