Home/NFL
feature-image

via Imago

feature-image

via Imago

When Kevin Stefanski opened camp by giving Dillon Gabriel an extended look with the starters, it was seen as a bold move, a chance to fast-track the rookie into meaningful competition. But two weeks later, the decision is starting to look costly. Gabriel has yet to deliver a standout practice. On Friday, August 1st, he went just 3-of-14 in team drills. The following day? 1-of-6. Instead of building momentum, the rookie’s accuracy and timing have been inconsistent, making every rep feel like a grind.

Now, the uphill climb gets steeper. Stefanski confirmed Monday that Gabriel is battling hamstring tightness and will be limited in practice. That’s a double blow, not only is Gabriel fighting to clean up his game, but now he’s fighting to stay on the field. He’ll take “some” team reps, but hamstring issues for quarterbacks often mean dialing back movement and velocity, hardly ideal for a player who needs every rep possible to prove himself.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

The timing couldn’t be worse. Shedeur Sanders, who missed time with shoulder soreness, is back in full swing. For Gabriel, that means the same opportunities he was given to separate himself could now swing in Sanders’ favor. And with camp reps at a premium, once you lose them, you rarely get them back. Stefanski’s gamble was clear. Invest early in Gabriel and see if he can bolt.

AD

But the return so far has been poor, shaky numbers, stalled drives in team drills, and now a nagging injury. It’s a harsh reminder that in the NFL, development timelines can’t always be forced. Instead of a quarterback emerging, the Browns are staring at a depth chart question mark and a rookie whose confidence could be tested early. If Sanders picks up where he left off, Stefanski’s decision may go down as an opportunity wasted, one that didn’t just fail to ignite Gabriel’s rise but accelerated his slide.

For a Browns team needing stability behind Deshaun Watson, that’s not just bad luck, it’s bad timing.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Dillon Gabriel reveals key challenges

The numbers tell part of the story, a 3-of-14 day in team drills on Friday, a 1-of-6 follow-up on Saturday. But Dillon Gabriel says the key isn’t just chasing good days, it’s building something sustainable. “Great question, because you always want results, but I think more than anything, it’s consistent results,” Gabriel said after practice. “If you don’t have a process you can truly hang your hat on, then you’re leaving it up to chance. Maybe it’s more inconsistent, rather than having a strong process.”

Gabriel admitted that camp has been a mix of highs and lows. “You know how the game of football goes. There’s a lot of positives, there may be some negatives,” he explained. “But there’s also something to pride yourself on, your process, how you work, how you approach it.” For him, the focus now is sticking to that approach, even as the results haven’t come as quickly as hoped.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

What’s your perspective on:

Is Dillon Gabriel's hamstring issue the final nail in his Browns' starting QB hopes?

Have an interesting take?

The rookie stressed that in the NFL, the process eventually produces results, but time is not unlimited. “You want to see results, and it will come. But it’s a results-based business, so you’ve got to go do it. No excuses. Know what to do, and do it. That’s the approach.” With Shedeur Sanders returning from a shoulder injury and Gabriel now managing hamstring tightness, the window for proving himself is narrowing.

But the rookie insists that sticking to his process and finding that elusive consistency will be the difference between being just another camp arm and locking down a role.

ADVERTISEMENT

0
  Debate

Is Dillon Gabriel's hamstring issue the final nail in his Browns' starting QB hopes?

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT