Injuries and rest decisions had the Cleveland Browns starting rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel in their preseason showdown against the Philadelphia Eagles this past Saturday, as the team announced that morning their decision to let Gabriel lead under center at Lincoln Financial Field, reported FOX8.
Gabriel's start came about following a string of quarterback injuries, Shedeur Sanders was side-lined after an oblique strain before Wednesday's joint practice, veterans Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett were also out due to rest and a hamstring injury respectively Sanders had started the Browns' first preseason game, while Gabriel exhibiting his preparedness to play again after a hamstring injury of his own, according to PennLive.
The game saw Gabriel passing 13 of 18 for 143 yards with an unfortunate interception returned for a touchdown by Eagles' safety Andrew Mukuba; despite the hiccup, Gabriel reflected on the team's performance, noting, "There's flashes of being very consistent and clean as an offense," in a statement obtained by Spectrum Local News.
Meanwhile, the Eagles' draft picks Mukuba and Jihaad Campbell displayed significant promise, Mukuba with an interception and a fumble recovery, and Campbell achieving a sack early on they were pivotal moments that actor and Texas Longhorns fan Matthew McConaughey, who had expressed support for Mukuba on social media, would likely appreciate, capturing the attention of Eagles coach Nick Sirianni who posited, "Guys that have a knack for the football just find ways to be around the football," as reported by Spectrum Local News.
Despite the setbacks, Browns' coach Kevin Stefanski remained optimistic about the health of his squad, stating, "We have to protect players from themselves; Sometimes guys want to play so bad," he explained the cautious approach to monitoring player injuries, and expressed hope that all four quarterbacks would be up for selection in the preseason finale against the Los Angeles Rams, according to Spectrum Local News.
