Cleveland Browns Name Rookie Dillon Gabriel as New Starting Quarterback

LONDON — The Cleveland Browns have announced rookie Dillon Gabriel as their new starting quarterback for their NFL International Series game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday. Gabriel, previously a backup to veteran Joe Flacco, takes over after the team struggled to a 1-3 start this season.

Head coach Kevin Stefanski made the decision public earlier this week, citing the need for a spark in an offense that has averaged only 14 points per game. The change comes after Flacco’s performance, which included two touchdowns and six interceptions over four starts.

Gabriel, the Browns’ third-round pick from Oklahoma, impressed during the preseason, completing 67.6% of his passes. He will be making his debut across the Atlantic, starting against a Vikings defense ranked third against the pass.

“Dillon has prepared well, and we’re excited to see him lead the team,” Stefanski said in a press conference. “We need to establish a reliable offensive rhythm, and we believe he’s the man for the job.”

Meanwhile, Flacco will serve as the backup, while third-string quarterback Shedeur Sanders remains inactive for the game due to the team’s depth chart structure.

Following the announcement, Sanders expressed optimism about his potential future role, stating, “I’m just focused on learning and improving every day.”

As the Browns face the Vikings, who are also experiencing quarterback struggles with Carson Wentz starting due to J.J. McCarthy‘s injury, Cleveland hopes Gabriel can provide a turnaround for the ailing offense during this crucial overseas matchup.

The kickoff is set for 9:30 a.m. ET on Sunday at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. This matchup marks Gabriel’s first career start, adding to the pressure of an already challenging environment.