Cleveland Browns quarterback Dillon Gabriel is facing a challenging start to the NFL season as he begins the year on injured reserve. The young signal-caller took to Instagram to share an emotional message directed at his wife, Zo Caswell, stating, "It’s always been you," and included their wedding date of June 28, 2026.
The couple tied the knot earlier this summer after a relationship that blossomed during their time as students in Hawaiʻi. Their journey together has seen them navigate numerous relocations as Gabriel's football career progressed from UCF to Oklahoma, Oregon, and ultimately to Cleveland.
Gabriel's engagement to Zo came in September 2024, shortly after he made his debut for Oregon. The announcement was made via a joint Instagram post that included the date, “9/1/2024.” Their wedding this past June took place just before Gabriel reported for his second training camp with the Browns. His recent post featured several photos from their wedding, providing a personal glimpse into his life during a period of uncertainty in his NFL career.
Following the announcement of Gabriel's placement on injured reserve, Zo took to social media to clarify the situation, stating, “Yes, he is on IR. Yes, he will be fine. And yes, he is on the Browns.” Gabriel was placed on injured reserve due to a back injury sustained during the Browns' preseason finale against the New England Patriots. He experienced discomfort in the days following the game, prompting an MRI that confirmed the injury.
Browns head coach Todd Monken commented on the injury, noting, “I don’t know exactly when it happened. He feels like it was the third down on the zone read that he pulled it, kind of got twisted awkwardly. I think he’s going to be fine, just a little uncomfortable throwing now.” Gabriel's designation to injured reserve means he will miss at least the first four games of the regular season, although he remains under contract with the Browns and is eligible to return.
With Gabriel sidelined, the Browns will enter the season with three quarterbacks on their active roster. Deshaun Watson is set to lead the team as the starting quarterback, while Shedeur Sanders serves as the primary backup. Rookie sixth-round pick Taylen Green will occupy the third spot on the depth chart.
Gabriel's move to injured reserve allows the Browns to retain his rights without using one of their initial 53 roster spots on him. Prior to his injury, Gabriel had been making a strong case for his future with the team, showcasing his skills during the preseason finale where he completed 12 of 15 passes for 186 yards and three touchdowns in a decisive 37-13 victory over the Patriots. This performance was crucial, especially after he started six games as a rookie last season, finishing with a completion rate of 59.5%, 937 yards, seven touchdowns, and two interceptions, as the Browns struggled to a 1-5 record in those games.
The crowded quarterback room in Cleveland raises questions about Gabriel's long-term role with the team. Watson is entering the final year of his contract, while both Sanders and Gabriel are in their second seasons. Additionally, the Browns have invested in Green, who offers a blend of size and athleticism as a developmental option. Once Gabriel is activated from injured reserve, he could attract interest from other teams, particularly if they experience quarterback injuries or dissatisfaction with their current depth. The Browns will then face the decision of whether to keep Gabriel as an experienced backup or trade him for a potential draft pick.
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