Sunday was supposed to bring Dillon Gabriel
some sort of clarity on where he would play football in 2026. Drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the third round of the 2025 draft, Gabriel was the odd man out in the Browns' quarterback competition during the offseason, deeming him a possible cut or trade candidate. But when it came time for Gabriel's future to become a little more clear, it became even more murky.According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Browns have placed Gabriel on Injured Reserve (IR), stemming from a back injury that he hurt in the team's final preseason game. The former Oregon Duck will miss the first four games of the season before being eligible to return, where Cleveland will have a decision to make of whether or not to activate
him to the active, game day roster or put him on the practice squad.
Gabriel put together a strong performance in the Browns' final preseason game, completing 12-of-15 passes for 186 yards and three touchdowns in a 37-13 victory over the New England Patriots.
Browns QB Dillon Gabriel initially hurt his back during the preseason finale, had pain yesterday and underwent an MRI. The injury was notable enough to land him on injured reserve. https://t.co/LuIEFT1Iuk pic.twitter.com/IZ2NS9AxbL
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 30, 2026
While there wasn't a moment in which Gabriel appeared to be injured, he now finds himself on IR and out for the first four games. During that stretch in which the Browns will take on the Jacksonville Jaguars, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Carolina Panthers and Pittsburgh Steelers with Deshaun Watson as the starter and Shedeur Sanders as the backup.
Once that time is up, assuming Gabriel is healthy by then, the Browns will have a decision to make about where to place the former Duck.
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This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Dillon Gabriel placed on IR, will miss first 4 games
