Browns Designate Dillon Gabriel to Return to Practice

Adam Schefter reported on Tuesday that the Cleveland Browns have officially designated quarterback Dillon Gabriel to return to practice.

This move triggers the NFL's standard 21-day window. Cleveland now has three weeks to evaluate the rookie and add him to the 53-man roster, or he reverts to injured reserve for the remainder of the season.

"Adam Schefter broke the news on X that Gabriel was designated to return."

Because if there is one thing the Cleveland franchise historically loves, it is having as many quarterbacks in the building as legally permitted by the collective bargaining agreement.

The Browns are coming off a tight 27-24 divisional win over the Pittsburgh Steelers last week. The vibes in the locker room are currently surviving, which is about the highest compliment you can give this team's offense on any given week.

Gabriel getting back on the practice field is mostly a depth play for now. But in Cleveland, the backup quarterback is always exactly one bad half of football away from being the most popular guy in the city. Bettors looking at Browns futures probably are not moving their lines over a rookie returning to practice, but having a competent emergency option is never a bad thing in the AFC North meat grinder.

We will see how Gabriel looks taking reps this week. The front office has plenty of time to make a final roster decision, but just having him back in a helmet is a step in the right direction for a team that needs all the offensive insurance it can get.