Overview

• Gabriel made the remark during a preseason sideline interview after Cleveland’s second exhibition game, saying his job is to compete.
• He later clarified at his postgame press conference that the line was directed at the media rather than teammate Shedeur Sanders.
• Stephen A. Smith called the comment “stupid” on First Take and warned it could invite tougher coverage as Gabriel competes for a role.
• In his preseason debut, Gabriel went 13-for-18 for 143 yards but threw a pick-six and lost a fumble on a botched handoff.
• The Browns have named Joe Flacco their Week 1 starter, with backup decisions still unsettled among Gabriel, Sanders and Kenny Pickett.