The Cleveland Browns face a roster deadline Tuesday for quarterback Dillon Gabriel, and coach Todd Monken responded to questions about carrying four signal-callers by suggesting the team could add even more.
Cleveland must activate Gabriel from injured reserve by Tuesday or leave him there for the rest of the season. Gabriel has been out since the preseason with a back injury. Activating him without moving another quarterback would give the Browns four on the 53-man roster: Deshaun Watson, Shedeur Sanders, rookie Taylen Green and Gabriel.
Monken offered little clarity on the plan when asked whether keeping the full group was realistic. He did float the idea of expanding further.
“Sure, it’s possible. Hell, it’s possible to pick up one more and we’ll have five,” Monken said smiling.
The comment leaves the team’s actual intentions unclear. Carrying four quarterbacks would preserve options at the position, but it would also cost a roster spot that could go toward depth at another position. Sanders serves as Watson’s primary backup, while Green has been the inactive third quarterback on game days.
The roster discussion arrives after Watson turned in his most complete performance of the season in Sunday’s 27-24 win over the Tennessee Titans. He completed 25 of 36 passes for 308 yards and added a rushing touchdown. It marked his first 300-yard passing game with the Browns and helped Cleveland improve to 5-2.
Watson also led his fifth fourth-quarter game-winning drive of the season. After the Titans tied the score with 58 seconds remaining, he directed a 55-yard drive in four plays to set up Andre Szmyt’s 32-yard field goal as time expired.
“He has something in him to be able to make plays when it counts,” Monken said. “We’re trying to flatline our play earlier in the game to be more consistent.”
The Browns trailed 14-0 early before scoring 17 unanswered points before halftime. Watson threw for 202 yards in the first half as the offense produced more consistent production before the late rally.
“That was the most complete game (for Watson),” Monken said. “That was close to Pittsburgh in terms of where to go with the ball, being in control, with his composure. The way we operated was better, not perfect, but better, on the road. But a real credit to him. And that’s all we’re trying to do.”
Watson said the offense still has room to grow.
“We haven’t even reached our peak,” he said. “We still have a lot more for good football to go and that’s what we strive for is just trying to be perfect. But that’s hard to do in this league. We left a lot of points and opportunities out there, but it showcased how explosive we can definitely be.”
Rookie receiver KC Concepcion caught eight passes for 129 yards in the first half and finished with a career-high 152 yards from scrimmage, adding 23 rushing yards on three carries. Quinshon Judkins ran for 96 yards and two touchdowns, while Dylan Sampson added 45 yards in his return from injured reserve. Tight end Harold Fannin Jr. had six catches for 91 yards, including a 36-yard gain that helped set up the winning kick.
Cleveland finished with 491 total yards in its most complete offensive showing of the season. Through seven games, Watson has 1,482 passing yards, seven touchdowns and three interceptions.
The Browns, now tied with the Pittsburgh Steelers atop the AFC North at 5-2, travel to Pittsburgh on Sunday with first place in the division on the line. The Gabriel decision must be settled before that game.
