Dillon Gabriel will serve as the backup quarterback to Shedeur Sanders for the Cleveland Browns in Sunday’s matchup against the New Orleans Saints, as reported by ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.
Injury Status and Watson’s Recovery
The Browns listed Deshaun Watson as questionable on their injury report due to a concussion. He did not practice on Wednesday and Thursday before being limited in Friday’s workout session. Although Watson has reportedly cleared the NFL’s concussion protocol, the organization has decided not to take any risks with the three-time Pro Bowler.
The performance of the team overall previously made it difficult for coach Todd Monken to alter the quarterback position despite inconsistencies from Watson. The veteran passer has accumulated 1,806 yards, seven touchdowns, and three interceptions this season, placing 28th among qualified quarterbacks in QBR with 40.9, according to ESPN.com.
Watson briefly left Cleveland’s 27-6 defeat against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Team officials stated he underwent a sideline concussion evaluation and received clearance. He was evaluated again after the game and on Monday, but did not start experiencing concussion-like symptoms until Tuesday.
Moving Up the Depth Chart
Monken confirmed on Friday that Sanders will start against New Orleans. Consequently, elevating Gabriel one position higher on the depth chart became the logical answer for the backup quarterback role.
The left-handed quarterback has not played in a game since last December. During his rookie campaign, he recorded 937 yards, seven touchdowns, and two interceptions across 10 appearances.
If the Browns execute their game plan successfully, Gabriel’s wait to take meaningful snaps will continue for at least another week.
