Overview

• Cleveland confirmed Gabriel will start against the Vikings at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with Joe Flacco as the backup and Shedeur Sanders designated as the dressed emergency third quarterback.
• The move follows a 1-3 start and offensive struggles around 14 points per game, with Flacco responsible for eight turnovers through four games.
• Longtime Browns reporter Tony Grossi said coaches have viewed Gabriel as ahead of Sanders since rookie minicamp and do not believe Sanders is game-ready.
• Offensive coordinator Tommy Rees said Flacco remains the No. 2 because the rookie starter benefits from a veteran presence on the sideline.
• Cam Newton alleged on his podcast that Cleveland’s handling of Sanders is driven by business considerations, while Sanders drew attention for a silent locker-room exchange before later posting, "Thank you GOD."