Browns Keep 3 QBs on 53-Man Roster as Dillon Gabriel Moves to IR

Cleveland will carry Deshaun Watson, Shedeur Sanders, and Taylen Green while Dillon Gabriel recovers from a back injury suffered in the preseason finale.

BEREA, Ohio -- The Cleveland Browns finalized their initial 53-man roster ahead of Sunday's 6 p.m. ET deadline by retaining three quarterbacks: Deshaun Watson, Shedeur Sanders, and rookie Taylen Green. To meet the league-mandated limit without cutting a passer, the team placed Dillon Gabriel on injured reserve with a designation to return. Gabriel, the No. 94 overall selection in the 2025 draft, suffered a back injury during Thursday night's preseason victory over the New England Patriots. The rookie quarterback started that contest and played the entire first half, recording three touchdown passes before exiting.

Following the preseason finale, Gabriel reported pain on Saturday and subsequently underwent an MRI to evaluate the severity of the back issue. By being placed on injured reserve with the return designation, he is required to miss a minimum of the first four games of the 2026 regular season. Head coach Todd Monken, currently in his first year leading the team, noted that Gabriel had previously started six games during his rookie campaign. Monken described the quarterback as a professional who prepares like a coach and operates the offense with visible confidence.

Taylen Green and Preseason Statistics

Taylen Green, a sixth-round draft pick, secured his spot on the depth chart after seeing his first preseason action in the second half of Thursday's win. During his time on the field, Green completed 5 of 7 pass attempts for 27 yards. He also led all players in rushing with 66 yards on eight carries. While Green and Gabriel handled the finale, the Browns opted to sit Deshaun Watson and his primary backup, Shedeur Sanders. Watson had already been designated as the Week 1 starter following extensive work during training camp and the first two exhibition matchups.

Roster Adjustments and Reserve Lists

In addition to the quarterback maneuvers, Cleveland placed rookie tight end Joe Royer on the reserve/non-football illness list. Royer was a fifth-round selection who did not participate in any portion of training camp due to personal reasons. Like Gabriel, Royer will be ineligible to return to the active roster until at least four games have passed. When questioned on Saturday regarding Royer's availability for the remainder of the 2026 season, Monken declined to comment on the tight end's status.

Quarterback Depth and Coaching Perspectives

The decision to carry three active quarterbacks reflects the team's evaluation of Green’s mobility and Sanders’ performance as the secondary option behind Watson. Monken emphasized that Gabriel’s pride and preparation habits were key factors in his development before the injury occurred. The Browns entered Sunday with four passers but managed to retain their draft investments by utilizing the IR-to-return rules. The roster transition was managed by the front office to ensure depth at the most critical position while Gabriel begins his recovery process following his three-touchdown performance against New England.