No rookie expects a smooth ride into the NFL, but Dillon Gabriel’s first weeks with the Cleveland Browns are already putting him to the test. The new quarterback arrived in town hoping to climb a tough depth chart, but now he’s got something else to worry about: a lingering hamstring issue that’s threatening to slow down his progress before it even starts. Suddenly, those first live snaps every rookie wants are on hold, and the battle to earn trust just got tougher.
How Will Dillon Gabriel’s Injury Affect the Cleveland Browns’ Quarterback Race?
Gabriel is dealing with tightness in his hamstring, with the problem popping up during Browns practice on Aug. 2. Head coach Kevin Stefanski shared that, while it’s not a major injury, the team plans to play it safe. That means Gabriel won’t be suiting up for Cleveland’s preseason opener against the Carolina Panthers. The timing stings, given that preseason games are prime chances for rookies to show what they can do with the lights on and the competition real.
Earlier this week, Gabriel managed to join some drills, including seven-on-seven and an 11-on-11 series. However, the team dialed back his reps as the hamstring tightness lingered. Now, instead of taking valuable preseason snaps, he’s focused on getting healthy, not exactly how any rookie wants the summer to go.
Why Is the Browns’ Quarterback Battle Such a Tough Test for Gabriel?
This is not an easy crew to break into. The Browns’ quarterback competition is as packed as any in the league. Veteran Joe Flacco heads the group, with experienced Kenny Pickett also fighting for reps. Fellow rookie Shedeur Sanders and the freshly signed Tyler Huntley are splitting time in camp. Deshaun Watson, still recovering from an Achilles injury, is on the physically unable to perform list, but he’s on site and staying involved with the team.
All six of the Browns’ rostered QBs on the field at joint practices. Deshaun Watson, who continues to rehab his Achilles injury, made the trip and is standing next to Dillon Gabriel pic.twitter.com/1L6euf2tJe
— Daniel Oyefusi (@DanielOyefusi) August 6, 2025
Gabriel has worked to carve out a spot in the mix, even rotating with the first-team offense at times. The coaching staff is stressing him in various scenarios to see how he handles pressure and navigates tight passing windows. But he’s had his struggles so far. Accuracy, especially on short and intermediate throws, hasn’t been where coaches want it, and timing issues have crept up as well.
There have been positive moments, like when Gabriel bounces back after a rough series, but those flashes have been mostly overshadowed by missed throws and the reality of lost practice reps due to his injury.
What Does Gabriel Need to Prove After College Stardom?
Gabriel entered the NFL with a résumé loaded with college accomplishments. He started 63 career games, the most by a quarterback in FBS history. He passed for over 18,700 yards and totaled 189 career touchdowns. He played his final season at Oregon and was viewed as a strong system fit for Cleveland’s offense due to similarities in play style.
But proving yourself in college is one thing, and showing you belong in the NFL is another challenge entirely. Gabriel’s 5-foot-11 frame has led to questions about how he’ll find clear throwing lanes against professional defenses. Missing out on preseason action only makes it tougher for coaches to get a real sense of where he fits before the regular season arrives.
With Gabriel sidelined for the opener, look for Sanders and Huntley to grab most of the preseason game snaps. Gabriel, meanwhile, will keep getting treatment on that hamstring, hoping to be back for joint practices or the next preseason chance that comes his way.
