What's Happening?
The Cleveland Browns are set to start rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel in their upcoming preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles. This decision comes after Shedeur Sanders, another rookie quarterback, suffered an oblique injury during a joint practice earlier in the week. Sanders, who was initially projected as a top-five draft pick but slid to the fifth round, had a strong performance in the Browns' preseason opener, completing 14 of 23 passes for 138 yards and two touchdowns. Despite being in uniform before the game, Sanders will not play due to the injury, which requires careful management according to Browns coach Kevin Stefanski. Gabriel, a third-round pick from Oregon, missed the previous game due to a hamstring injury but has returned to practice.
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Why It's Important?
The Browns' quarterback situation is a significant storyline in the NFL preseason, as the team navigates injuries and evaluates its roster ahead of the regular season. The performance of Dillon Gabriel in the upcoming game could influence the team's decision on whether to keep four quarterbacks, a strategy not commonly employed in the league. With veteran Joe Flacco also sidelined, the Browns are exploring their depth at the quarterback position, which could impact their strategy for the season opener against the Cincinnati Bengals. The development of these rookie quarterbacks is crucial for the Browns' future, as they seek to build a competitive team.
What's Next?
The Browns will continue to assess the health and performance of their quarterbacks as they prepare for the regular season. Coach Kevin Stefanski has indicated that Sanders' recovery will be monitored day-to-day, emphasizing the importance of not rushing his return due to the nature of the injury. Dillon Gabriel's performance in the upcoming game will be closely watched, as it may determine his role in the team's quarterback lineup. The Browns' decision on whether to retain four quarterbacks will be influenced by these preseason evaluations.
