Chad Ochocinco Lays Down Challenge to Dillon Gabriel After Shedeur Sanders’ NFL Debut Breakthrough

Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel is set for a critical test Saturday night against the Philadelphia Eagles, just days after Shedeur Sanders’ eye-catching preseason run was cut short by injury.

Gabriel, who strained his hamstring on Aug. 2 and only returned to full practice this week, is expected to play despite the lingering issue. With the spotlight shifting to Gabriel, former NFL star Chad Ochocinco delivered a blunt message for the former Oregon star in his latest “Nightcap” podcast appearance. Johnson demanded that the 2025 NFL Draft third-round pick prove his value for the Browns’ depth chart ahead of the regular season.

“I ain’t trying to hear nothing about no hamstrings and all that. You ain’t that fast. You’re not that explosive anyway,” he said. “I need you to get out there and compete… especially after what Shedeur was able to do. You were the third-round pick. I need you to go out there and show me why.”

According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Browns remain “optimistic” about the rookie’s availability. Veterans Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett will sit out, while Sanders continues to recover from an oblique strain suffered in joint practice on Wednesday.

Gabriel’s performance could carry extra weight after Sanders’ strong first impression last week vaulted him into the QB competition conversation. While Flacco remains the frontrunner, the Cleveland family has been eager to find the next big signal-caller in the Gabriel vs. Sanders quarterback race.

SPOTTED: Shedeur Sanders Shows Up in Style as Dillon Gabriel Warms Up for Browns vs. Eagles Clash

The Cleveland Browns entered Lincoln Financial Field for their second preseason matchup with eyes on the quarterback room. Rookie Dillon Gabriel, recently cleared after working through a hamstring issue and expected to handle the starting snaps against Philadelphia, was spotted warming up for his NFL debut in a recent clip.

gearing up for the start 🔥@_dillongabriel_ | #DawgPound pic.twitter.com/g9YWNc6wO4

— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) August 16, 2025

Shedeur Sanders, meanwhile, made his presence felt off the field. In a recent video, the rookie passer was seen arriving at the stadium in casual attire.

Shedeur Sanders arrives in Philly ahead of the Browns’ matchup vs. the Eagles ⌚️ pic.twitter.com/q2b3m5Q8St

— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) August 16, 2025

Sanders will remain sidelined due to the oblique strain suffered during joint practices earlier in the week. Meanwhile, head coach Kevin Stefanski previously noted the team would be cautious with the injury, given its direct impact on QB performance.

With veteran Joe Flacco held out and Kenny Pickett still working back from his own hamstring setback, Saturday’s game will throw light on the Browns’ quarterback situation amid looming doubts. However, it would mark a key step for Gabriel as the two rookie quarterbacks go toe-to-toe for the quarterback job at Cleveland.

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