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Rookie QB Dillon Gabriel Debuts with Cleveland Browns, Sends Challenge to Jordan Love

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Cleveland, September 19, 2025

Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel is gearing up for his NFL debut in Week 3 against the Green Bay Packers on September 21, and he’s already throwing down the gauntlet at star QB Jordan Love. Selected 94th overall in the 2025 NFL Draft from Oregon, Gabriel gets the nod from head coach Kevin Stefanski as the Browns (0-2) seek to end their early-season slump.

Gabriel, who shone in the preseason with 12-of-19 passes for 129 yards and a touchdown against the Rams, steps into the spotlight against a 2-0 Packers team fresh off victories over the Lions (27-13) and Commanders (27-18). With Joe Flacco benched and Shedeur Sanders sidelined, Gabriel’s dual-threat ability—honed through 63 college starts—could ignite Cleveland’s offense.
Browns resist the Dillon Gabriel temptation despite offensive woes -  cleveland.com

At a Thursday press conference, Gabriel took aim at Love’s hot streak: “Clearly, he’s on an impressive streak. We’re going to end that. He has good vision, and honestly, he breaks a lot of tackles. Maybe that’s why.” The bold words underscore the 24-year-old’s confidence as the FBS all-time leader in total touchdowns (189).

Facing the NFL’s top-ranked defense, led by Micah Parsons’ 1.5 sacks, Gabriel’s debut at Huntington Bank Field is a tall order. Yet, his poise and mobility could exploit gaps, especially as the Browns aim to disrupt Green Bay’s rhythm after a 41-17 loss to the Ravens in Week 2.

Packers fans fired back on X, with @PackersFaith tweeting, “Gabriel’s got big talk, but Love’s gonna teach him a lesson Sunday.” Love, who threw 16-of-22 for 188 yards and two touchdowns in Week 1, faces a Browns secondary led by Grant Delpit, who vowed to halt RB Josh Jacobs’ scoring run.

With kickoff set for 1:00 p.m. ET on FOX, Gabriel’s challenge adds spice to this NFC North showdown. Can the rookie spark the Browns’ first win, or will Love and the Packers keep rolling? Cleveland’s season hangs in the balance, and Gabriel’s debut could be the turning point.

Broncos Sign a Former Packers Player to the Practice Squad — and He Speaks Out Against His Old Team
Broncos Sign a Former Packers Player to the Practice Squad — and He Speaks Out Against His Old Team Denver, Colorado – The atmosphere at the Denver Broncos’ training facility has grown livelier after the team officially signed a former Green Bay Packers wide receiver to their practice squad. On paper, it’s a minor move — but behind it lies the story of a player who was overlooked, cast aside by his former team, and is now finding new life in Mile High City. This player was once a late-round draft pick by the Packers, entering the league full of hope and determination. But his time in Green Bay was short-lived. He was cut from the roster abruptly, with no real chance to prove himself, no clear explanation, and little acknowledgment of his effort. What was supposed to be a dream turned into months of frustration and self-doubt — the feeling of being invisible in a system that never truly believed in him. Everything changed when he arrived in Denver. Welcomed by his new teammates and embraced by a coaching staff eager to give him an opportunity, the young receiver’s energy was reignited. In his first interview, he didn’t hold back when reflecting on his time in Green Bay:“Back there, I was just a name on a list — no one really believed in me. But here, it’s different. People make me feel valued, heard, and trusted. I finally have a real chance to show who I am, and I’m going to prove they were wrong to give up on me.” Head coach Sean Payton praised the newcomer’s early impact, noting his speed, focus, and intensity during practice. Sources inside the organization believe he could soon earn a spot on the active roster if he continues performing at this level. And that player is none other than Samori Toure — the former Packers receiver who was quietly released but now finds himself reborn in Denver. Once forgotten, Toure is turning his setback into motivation, proving that sometimes all a player needs is the right environment to believe again — and to rise again.