In a pivotal move ahead of their Week 5 showdown against the Minnesota Vikings in London, the Cleveland Browns have announced that rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel will take the helm, replacing veteran Joe Flacco. This decision follows Flacco's struggles, which saw him amass eight turnovers in just four games, contributing to the team's lowly offensive output of only 14 points per game—the second lowest in the NFL.
Gabriel, who was selected in the 2025 NFL Draft, has the chance to revitalize a Browns offense that has been inconsistent and plagued by mistakes. Coach Kevin Stefanski expressed confidence in the young quarterback, stating that the team needs a fresh perspective as they aim to improve their performance. Gabriel's first start comes at a crucial time, and he will lead the team as they look to turn their season around against the Vikings at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Meanwhile, Flacco will serve as the backup, and rookie Shedeur Sanders will remain the third-string quarterback. Sanders, who has garnered attention for his unique approach to media interactions, was not selected to start but remains a part of the team's plans moving forward.
As the Browns prepare for this international matchup, fans in London are eagerly anticipating a chance to see if Gabriel can inject some much-needed energy into a struggling franchise. The loyal British supporters, many of whom have followed the team through thick and thin, will be watching closely to see if this rookie can indeed be the spark the Browns need to ignite their season.