It has to be unprecedented that a sixth-round rookie quarterback who has never played an NFL snap can have such an effect on a team. But that is the situation the Cleveland Browns find themselves in as they deal with a potential roster dilemma.
The Browns were able to avoid keeping four quarterbacks on their 53-man roster at cutdown day when they placed Dillon Gabriel on injured reserve. That allowed them to protect Taylen Green without exposing him to a waiver claim or watching him sign elsewhere.
Now, with Gabriel eligible to return to practice, Cleveland might have to deal with that situation again. But at this point in the season, it could be a bit easier to navigate.
Former player Tyvis Powell said he believes the Browns will make a surprising move with Green and take the risk of getting him onto their practice squad.
“I fully expect them to release Taylen Green and bring him back on practice squad. Problem solved,” Powell posted.
I fully expect them to release Taylen Green and bring him back on practice squad. Problem solved. https://t.co/gtZ0xBlHPN
— Tyvis Powell (@1Tyvis) October 5, 2026
There is still some time for the Browns to make that decision, and a lot can happen between now and then. Once Gabriel returns to practice, Cleveland has a 21-day window to either put him on the active roster or have him revert to season-ending injured reserve.
The Browns may want Gabriel back sooner rather than later, not only to ensure his continued development rather than leaving him idle. They might also believe he is better suited to be the backup to Deshaun Watson than Shedeur Sanders is, and they would need to get him back up to speed to fill that role.
They obviously do not believe Green is ready for that yet, as he has been the emergency quarterback for the first four games. Despite hinting at a potential package of plays for him, he has not been active yet this season.
It is interesting that the Browns have put so much effort into keeping Green away from other teams. Despite his athletic gifts, his future as an NFL QB is murky at best, and everyone in the league already passed on him multiple times as he fell to the No. 182 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
So, if the Browns truly believe they are playoff contenders and want to hang on to all of their experienced quarterbacks, they may have to roll the dice and waive Green, hoping that there’s no team waiting to pounce if he’s made available.
NEXT: Browns Already Have Reason For Confidence Ahead Of Jets Matchup
