Dillon Gabriel Injury Update
Cleveland Browns quarterback Dillon Gabriel exited Sunday's Week 11 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens in the third quarter after suffering a concussion. The 24-year-old starter, who had been performing solidly with 1,847 passing yards and 12 touchdowns this season, took a hard hit during a scramble on a third-down play. He stayed in briefly but showed signs of disorientation, leading to a halftime evaluation in the medical tent. Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) reported on X that Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski said Dillon Gabriel will start next week if he’s healthy and clears concussion protocol.
Initially listed as questionable, Gabriel was quickly ruled out for the remainder of the game, thrusting rookie Shedeur Sanders into his NFL regular-season debut. Sanders, the Browns' second-round pick, struggled in relief, completing 8 of 18 passes for 89 yards with an interception, as Cleveland fell 24-20 after leading 16-10 at the break.
Head coach Kevin Stefanski confirmed postgame that Gabriel is now in the NFL's mandatory concussion protocol, which typically sidelines players for at least a week but could extend based on symptoms and testing. SM Highlights (@SMHighlights1) reported on X that Kevin Stefanski stated Dillon Gabriel will start next week if he is healthy.
This marks Gabriel's first major injury since transferring to Oregon in college, where he led the Ducks to an undefeated regular season before the 2025 draft. The timing is rough for the 4-6 Browns, clinging to wild-card hopes. Backup options are thin. Sanders' inexperience showed, and the practice squad lacks a proven arm. Stefanski emphasized team support for Gabriel's recovery, saying, "He's tough as nails, but health first, we'll reassess midweek."
Disclaimer
This article provides updates on Dillon Gabriel’s concussion and expected recovery based on current game reports and the NFL’s protocol. Actual return timelines depend on medical clearance and individual health. For critical decisions related to sports or betting, always verify with official team sources or league updates for the latest information.
