Todd Monken: Browns Eager to See Dillon Gabriel Back on the Field

As the NFL season rounds the quarter pole on October 7, 2026, the Cleveland Browns are carefully navigating the return of second-year quarterback Dillon Gabriel, who has been sidelined since late August with a back injury. Gabriel, placed on injured reserve before the season began, has resumed practicing, but head coach Todd Monken made it clear that the team is in no rush to activate him to the 53-man roster. “Get him out there, practice, see where he’s at with his back, and get the reps that we can get,” Monken told reporters during his Wednesday press conference. “A lot of that will be on the look squad, or it’ll be individual. But I look forward to seeing him back out there.”

A Quarterback Room in Flux

Cleveland’s quarterback depth chart currently features starter Deshaun Watson, backup Shedeur Sanders, and rookie Taylen Green. With Gabriel now eligible to return, the Browns face a potential logjam at the position. Monken, however, is taking a measured approach. “I don’t have to feel anything at this point,” he said when asked about carrying four quarterbacks. “We still have three weeks.” That three-week window gives the coaching staff ample time to evaluate Gabriel’s health and readiness without making a hasty roster move.

“I look forward to seeing him back out there.” – Browns head coach Todd Monken on Dillon Gabriel’s return to practice.

Gabriel, a former standout at UCF and Oklahoma, showed promise during his rookie campaign in 2025. He started six of his 10 appearances, completing 59.5 percent of his passes for 937 yards with seven touchdowns and two interceptions. His dual-threat ability and poise in the pocket intrigued the Browns’ brass, but the back injury derailed his offseason momentum. Now, as he works his way back, the focus is on rebuilding strength and timing.

What’s Next for Gabriel and the Browns?

For now, Gabriel will continue to participate in individual drills and scout-team reps, a phase Monken described as critical for assessing his physical condition. The Browns have until late October to decide whether to activate him or leave him on IR for the remainder of the season. With Watson entrenched as the starter and Sanders and Green developing behind him, Gabriel’s path to playing time is uncertain. Yet his return adds a valuable insurance policy and long-term upside.

According to insights gathered by Vulius Sports, the Browns are high on Gabriel’s potential but will not rush him back into game action. The team’s cautious approach reflects a broader NFL trend of prioritizing player health over immediate returns, especially for young quarterbacks. As Cleveland eyes a playoff push in a competitive AFC North, having a healthy Gabriel as depth could prove crucial down the stretch.

Fans can expect to see Gabriel back on the practice field in the coming weeks, but his game-day status remains a wait-and-see situation. For now, Monken and his staff are content to let the process unfold. “We still have three weeks,” Monken reiterated, underscoring the team’s patience. As the Browns prepare for their Week 6 matchup, all eyes will be on Gabriel’s progress—and whether he can force his way onto the active roster.