It’s still hard to believe that the Cleveland Browns are 3-1 heading into a winnable matchup at the New York Jets in Week 5. A win would tie the team’s longest winning streak since 1986, which was the last time the Browns reached five in a row.
All things considered, the Browns are relatively healthy heading into Week 5. They lost Mason Graham in Week 4 in the midst of a breakout year, but he thankfully seems to have dodged a major injury and should avoid IR.
During practice on Wednesday, another recently injured player gave the fans some good news as quarterback Dillon Gabriel was spotted on the field. 92.3 The Fan shared a clip of Gabriel in full pads going through drills and making a few throws as he has officially been designated to return from IR and his 21-day practice window has officially been opened.
QB Dillon Gabriel back at #Browns practice today pic.twitter.com/kwDzYxXLQ8
— 92.3 The Fan (@923TheFan) October 7, 2026
Gabriel’s impending return creates a bit of a logjam in the quarterback room. Many doubters expected Deshaun Watson to crash and burn over the first few weeks, but the opposite has happened and he is starting to finally look like a franchise quarterback again. His success is forcing the team to have to make a tough decision, as it could push either Gabriel or Shedeur Sanders out of town.
Rookie sixth-rounder Taylen Green was impressive in preseason and likely won’t be going anywhere as head coach Todd Monken’s own personal developmental project. Watson’s starting job is as secure as ever, so that other QB spot might be a tough decision between Sanders and Gabriel.
However, that is a conversation for another day, and it’s just great to see Gabriel back in pads. He showed some glimpses in camp that got fans excited about his potential improvement, and he looked solid in the preseason.
Did he show enough to earn the backup quarterback job behind Watson? Only time will tell.
NEXT: Browns Sign Former Chargers RB
