Browns QB to Miss Significant Amount of Time With Back Injury

The Cleveland Browns are preparing for their upcoming season opener, but one of their quarterbacks will be sidelined for an extended period due to a back injury. Backup quarterback Dillon Gabriel suffered this injury during the team's final preseason game against the New England Patriots. Despite playing a significant portion of the game, Gabriel's back injury has led to him being placed on the injured reserve list.

This leaves the Browns with three quarterbacks on their initial 53-man roster: Deshaun Watson, Shedeur Sanders, and Taylen Green. Earlier in their preseason schedule, Watson and Sanders competed for the starting quarterback position, with Watson ultimately securing the job. Neither player appeared in the Browns' final preseason game against the Patriots.

These developments have sparked speculation about potential trades, with some fans questioning whether the injury could be a strategic move by the team to facilitate a trade for Gabriel. Gabriel had been the team's starter last season, compiling a 1-5 record and throwing for 937 yards and seven touchdowns. However, he left a game in Week 11 due to concussion symptoms and was subsequently ruled out.

With Watson and Green now set to be the team's primary quarterbacks, Sanders may be given the opportunity to start if Watson experiences difficulties during the season. The Browns' regular season begins with a road game against the Jacksonville Jaguars on September 13.