Browns Owner Haslam Defends QB Dillon Gabriel Amid Shedeur Sanders Debate

The Cleveland Browns are navigating a quarterback dilemma between rookie starters Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders, both drafted in 2025. Browns owner Jimmy Haslam has publicly defended Sanders' professionalism and progress in practice, despite Sanders' lack of first-team reps and injury concerns ahead of their Week 8 game against the New England Patriots. Haslam emphasized that Gabriel, who has started the last few games following Joe Flacco's trade, has had limited opportunities to prove himself due to a small sample size and difficult conditions. Head coach Kevin Stefanski prefers to give Gabriel more reps to develop, explaining that transitioning from a veteran to a young quarterback requires careful management of practice opportunities. Sanders' injury status remains uncertain, and he has yet to make his regular-season debut, raising questions about the Browns' quarterback depth and future strategy. The team is preparing for their upcoming bye week, with internal competition and development closely watched by fans and analysts alike.