Dillon Gabriel’s Wife Makes Statement After Browns’ Roster Decision

Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Dillon Gabriel’s Wife Makes Statement After Browns’ Roster Decision

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Shubham Bajpai | Last updated Aug 31, 2026 10:09 AM ET

Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson delivered one of the best quarterback battles during the NFL offseason, as the duo competed hard to win the starting role with the Cleveland Browns. Todd Monken, after evaluating the two quarterbacks during the offseason, named Watson the Browns QB1 over Sanders. While Watson and Sanders competed, Dillon Gabriel and Taylen Green were limited in their first-team reps.

The chance for Gabriel and Green arrived when Monken decided to rest Watson and Sanders for the Browns’ final preseason game against the New England Patriots. This opportunity came at an important juncture for the two quarterbacks, as Monken was set to make the final roster decisions for the Browns within a few days.

Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) watches quarterback Dillon Gabriel (5) during day two of NFL rookie minicamp at the Cleveland Browns training facility.Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

The Browns defeated the Patriots 37-13 and registered their first win of the preseason, with both Gabriel and Green impressing with their respective performances. Gabriel completed 12 of 15 passes for 186 yards, including three touchdowns. Green, on the other hand, showcased his dual-threat ability as he completed 5 of 7 passes for 27 yards and rushed for 66 yards.

The speculation in Cleveland after the Patriots game was that Sanders’ QB2 status might be in question after Gabriel’s impressive performance. But Monken quickly dismissed the speculation. Gabriel suffered a back injury during the game, which put his roster status in question.

The Browns have finally announced their initial 53-man roster. They have decided to keep Watson, Sanders and Green on the active roster, while placing Gabriel on injured reserve and designating him for return. Gabriel must miss at least the first four regular-season games but is eligible to return after that.

Gabriel’s wife, Zo, following Browns’ decision, offered an update on Instagram saying, “To all the people who have reached out concerned for Dillon: Yes, Dillon hurt his back. Yes, he is on IR. Yes, he will be fine. And yes, he is on the Browns.”

The Browns will play their first regular-season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars on September 13 after wrapping up their preseason.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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