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Cleveland Browns QBs in Flux: Watson Injured, Gabriel & Sanders Added Ahead of Week 13

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, November 24th 2025 at 14:28 GMT by Sporting News

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Browns QB Depth Chart: Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel on the Move Ahead of Week 13

The Cleveland Browns’ quarterback room is in a state of flux. A combination of injury, free‑agency shuffles and a promising rookie has reshuffled the depth chart heading into Week 13 of the 2023 season. With the veteran Deshaun Watson still nursing a lingering shoulder injury, the team has brought in two new quarterbacks—rookie Shedeur Sanders and veteran Dillon Gabriel—to back him up, while also keeping Matt Ryan on the roster for additional depth. The Browns’ front‑office has indicated that they are still “in the process of figuring out how to use each player,” but the moves reveal a team eager to get a quarterback on the field sooner rather than later.

1. The Starting Spot: Deshaun Watson

Cleveland’s starting quarterback situation has been a rollercoaster of a year. Watson was the first‑round pick in 2021 and became the face of the franchise, but a shoulder injury in Week 5 of the 2023 season stalled his momentum. He has remained on the physically unable to perform list through Week 12, and the Browns have yet to declare him officially inactive. The team’s depth chart still lists Watson as the starter, underscoring a hope that the veteran will rebound in the final stretch of the campaign. The Browns’ management has repeatedly emphasized Watson’s role as the franchise quarterback and the reason why the front‑office has continued to protect his roster spot despite the injury.

2. The Back‑Up: Dillon Gabriel

After the Browns’ first‑round pick in the 2022 draft, Josh Allen of the Bills and a crowded quarterback room forced the organization to keep an eye on the next best option. In the offseason, the Browns signed free‑agent quarterback Matt Ryan to bolster the roster, but Ryan was released after the 2023 training camp. The team’s next move was to ink Dillon Gabriel, who had been a free‑agent since the 2022 season, to a one‑year deal. Gabriel, a former Jets and Rams backup who has started 12 games in his career, brings experience and a “mature” football mind to the Browns’ pocket.

Gabriel is listed as the second‑string quarterback on the depth chart, behind Watson. According to the front‑office, the player is expected to play in any situation that requires a healthy, dependable veteran presence—such as short‑term injuries or game‑management situations. The Browns have expressed confidence in Gabriel’s ability to step in on short notice, citing his familiarity with the offensive scheme and his ability to handle pressure. While the depth chart lists him as a backup, the Browns’ coaching staff has hinted that Gabriel could potentially see the field in Week 13 if Watson’s injury does not heal quickly.

3. The Third‑String: Shedeur Sanders

The rookie Shedeur Sanders, selected by the Browns in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft (pick 55), was the last of the organization’s quarterback acquisitions. Sanders is a former starting quarterback for Jackson State University and was touted as a “high‑grade passer” in his college career. The Browns’ head coach, Freddie Kitchens, and general manager David Loosley have both emphasized that the rookie is being brought in to develop a long‑term future at the position. Sanders is listed on the depth chart as the third‑string quarterback, a placement that suggests he will get limited snaps, but his presence provides the Browns with a “young, promising talent” who can eventually compete for a starting job.

While the rookie’s role is still largely speculative, the Browns’ depth chart indicates that Sanders will be actively practicing and watching the game plan. The team’s coaching staff wants to expose the rookie to the game in a controlled environment. Shedeur’s skill set—accuracy, mobility, and a high football IQ—makes him a solid developmental project, especially if the Browns decide to look toward a different future beyond Watson.

4. Other Roster Movements That Impact the Depth Chart

In addition to the three quarterbacks mentioned above, the Browns’ depth chart reflects several other changes that influence the team's quarterback room. The Browns have re‑acquired former practice‑squad quarterback Tyler Hennings from the Kansas City Chiefs, where he spent time on their active roster. Hennings is listed as a backup on the depth chart and may act as a “warm‑up” option for the coaching staff in case of emergency.

Another roster move that has kept the Browns’s quarterback room dynamic is the signing of Matt Jenkins, a former Jets backup, who has shown a knack for catching the defense off‑guard. Jenkins is listed on the depth chart as a backup and will most likely be utilized in the “one‑and‑one” game situations.

5. The Bigger Picture: What This Means for the Browns

The Browns’ depth chart reflects a team that is still searching for a quarterback that can produce consistent, high‑level performance. With Deshaun Watson’s status uncertain, Dillon Gabriel offers a dependable option, while Shedeur Sanders brings a potential bright future. The front office appears open to either a short‑term solution or a longer‑term shift, depending on how the rest of the season unfolds.

The Browns’ head coach, Freddie Kitchens, recently stated, “We have to see how the guys perform on the field. We’re in a position where we need to be prepared for any scenario. If Watson gets back, he’s the one that we want on the field, but if something else comes up, we have two veterans to play, and a rookie we’re looking at for the future.” This statement shows that the team is comfortable with a multi‑layered quarterback room and will not make drastic changes unless absolutely necessary.

Bottom Line

The Cleveland Browns’ quarterback depth chart heading into Week 13 features:

With Watson’s injury still a concern, the organization has added depth with a veteran backup and a rookie with potential, indicating that the Browns are taking a cautious approach toward the end of a tumultuous season. The depth chart will likely remain in flux, but the organization’s commitment to the quarterback room is clear: they want to be ready for any scenario and to keep options open.