Dillon Gabriel Reportedly Could Start vs. Eagles, Browns 'Optimistic' Amid Injury

Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel could be in line for the first preseason start of his career.

According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, sources have expressed "optimism" that Gabriel will be available to open Cleveland's preseason matchup with the Philadelphia Eagles on Saturday.

The former Oregon signal-caller missed the Browns' 30-10 win over the Carolina Panthers on Aug. 8 with a hamstring injury.

Shedeur Sanders started in the victory, but is unlikely to suit up against Philadelphia after suffering an oblique injury during practice on Wednesday.

Gabriel and Sanders are involved in Cleveland's starting quarterback competition that also includes Kenny Pickett and Joe Flacco. Pickett also missed the win over Philadelphia due to a hamstring issue, while Flacco hasn't suited up in the preseason given his status as a 17-year NFL veteran.

The Browns selected Gabriel with a third-round pick in the 2025 draft, adding him with the No. 94 overall choice.

He's coming off a 2024 campaign at Oregon in which he finished No. 3 in Heisman Trophy voting. The 24-year-old completed 72.9 percent of his throws for 3,857 yards and 30 touchdowns compared to six interceptions.

Gabriel is currently listed at No. 3 on Cleveland's unofficial depth chart behind Flacco and Pickett, as he's struggled with his accuracy in practice as of late.

Assuming Pickett doesn't play against Philadelphia, Gabriel and 27-year-old Tyler Huntley are Cleveland's only options under center. That means the incoming rookie should receive plenty of opportunities to showcase the skills that made him a Day 2 pick.

Kickoff between the Browns and Eagles on Saturday is at 1 p.m. ET.