**Browns Name Dillon Gabriel as Backup Quarterback Over Shedeur Sanders**
Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski has announced that Dillon Gabriel will serve as the backup quarterback to Joe Flacco this season, sidelining rookie Shedeur Sanders. Gabriel, who was drafted two rounds earlier than Sanders, will step into the role as the team prepares for their Week 1 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals. Meanwhile, Sanders, selected in the fifth round by the Browns in April, will take on the position of emergency third quarterback.
Stefanski elaborated on the decision, emphasizing the comprehensive evaluation process that factored into the choice. “It’s such an all-encompassing evaluation,” he stated to reporters. “Everything the guys did in the games was important, but we also saw a lot of them out here in practice. How they are at their craft, and [Gabriel] is certainly someone we think is getting better and better.”
The decision came after the Browns made significant moves to finalize their 53-man roster ahead of the league’s deadline. The team waived veteran Tyler “Snoop” Huntley and traded Kenny Pickett to the Las Vegas Raiders, who were in need of a backup following an injury to Aidan O’Connell. With Huntley and Pickett no longer on the roster, the Browns are left with Flacco, Gabriel, and Sanders, while Deshaun Watson continues to recover from a torn Achilles.
Sanders had a strong preseason debut against the Carolina Panthers, completing 14 of 23 passes for 138 yards and two touchdowns, along with four carries for 19 yards. However, an injury kept him out of the second game, and he struggled in the finale against the Rams, finishing with just 3 of 6 passes for 14 yards and taking five sacks. In contrast, Gabriel, who missed the preseason opener due to a hamstring injury, played well in the final two games, completing 25 of 37 passes for 272 yards, one touchdown, and one interception.
While Sanders currently holds the QB3 position, he remains on the 53-man roster and has the potential to develop into a significant player in the future.
As the season progresses, depth charts can shift, and the Browns will be closely monitoring their quarterbacks’ performances.
**FAQ**
*What factors influenced the Browns’ decision to choose Dillon Gabriel over Shedeur Sanders?*
The Browns’ coaching staff considered both game performance and practice evaluations, ultimately deciding that Gabriel showed more consistent improvement and skill development.