{
  "id": 4528882,
  "title": "Browns make an unorthodox move at QB as 53-man rosters are finalized",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/31/browns-make-an-unorthodox-move-at-qb-as-53-man-rosters-are-finalized",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-31T00:02:20.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/browns-unorthodox-move-qb-53-000220803.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Cleveland Browns have made an unorthodox move in the quarterback room as they finalize their 53-man roster for the 2026 season. While Deshaun Watson is expected to be the starting quarterback, reports indicate that both Dillon Gabriel and the team's sixth-round 2026 NFL Draft pick, Taylen Green, will also be part of the initial 53-man roster. This decision sets the Browns apart from many other teams that typically select just one or two quarterbacks for the season.\n\nBoth Gabriel and Green were considered uncertain prospects heading into the preseason. Gabriel struggled in the early games, going 5-for-9 for 23 yards and one interception in his first two outings. However, he performed significantly better in the team's final preseason contest, throwing for 186 yards and three touchdowns while rushing eight times for 66 yards, including a 30-yard run. Green, on the other hand, made his debut in the team's final preseason game and impressed with nearly half of the team's offensive snaps. He completed five of seven passes for 27 yards and added 66 yards on eight rushes, including a 30-yard run.\n\nDespite Gabriel's strong performance in the preseason finale, Watson looked less impressive in his last preseason appearance, completing only five of twelve passes for 36 yards and one interception. This unorthodox move by the Browns suggests they believe in the potential of both Gabriel and Green to compete for the backup role alongside Watson. With the Browns starting three different quarterbacks last season, it is evident that all four quarterbacks could potentially earn the starting role before the 2026 season concludes.",
  "summary": "The Browns seem to be taking an unexpected approach at quarterback to start the season.",
  "key_points": [
    "Cleveland Browns finalize 53-man roster for 2026 season.",
    "Dillon Gabriel and 6th-round pick Taylen Green included.",
    "Unorthodox move suggests competition for backup QB role."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}