BEREA — The Cleveland Browns announced Monday that quarterback Dillon Gabriel has been activated from injured reserve, bringing the second-year player back to the active roster after missing the first seven games of the season.
Gabriel suffered a back injury during Cleveland's preseason finale against New England and was placed on injured reserve August 30. He returned to practice October 6, beginning a 21-day window during which the Browns had to decide whether to activate him or leave him on injured reserve for the remainder of the season.
The Browns also waived rookie tight end Carsen Ryan to make room for Gabriel on the 53-man roster.
Gabriel was selected in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft out of Oregon. He appeared in 10 games during his rookie season, starting six, and completed 110 of 185 passes for 937 yards, seven touchdowns, and two interceptions.
His return gives Cleveland four quarterbacks on its active roster, joining starter Deshaun Watson, Shedeur Sanders, and rookie Taylen Green.
Watson has led the Browns to a 5-2 record, including Sunday's dramatic 27-24 victory over Tennessee. Sanders has served as Watson's primary backup, and Gabriel's activation does not change the starting quarterback situation.
Head coach Todd Monken acknowledged Monday that carrying four quarterbacks was possible, and Cleveland's decision allows the team to retain its depth at the position rather than risk losing one of its younger quarterbacks.
For Gabriel, the move represents another opportunity to continue his development after missing nearly two months with the injury. While his immediate role remains uncertain, he'll now be available as the Browns prepare for Sunday's important AFC North matchup against Pittsburgh.
