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Browns Start Rookie Dillon Gabriel in London Against Shorthanded Vikings

Cleveland turns to a first-time starter opposite Carson Wentz behind an injury-hit Minnesota line.

Overview

  • The Week 5 matchup kicks off at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with Minnesota becoming the first NFL team to play consecutive regular-season games overseas.
  • Kevin Stefanski benched Joe Flacco and named Dillon Gabriel the Browns’ starter, marking the rookie’s first NFL start and the franchise’s 41st different starter at quarterback since 1999.
  • Carson Wentz makes his third straight start for the Vikings with right tackle Brian O’Neill out, center Ryan Kelly out indefinitely with a concussion, and left guard Donovan Jackson sidelined after wrist surgery; backup center Michael Jurgens also missed practice with a hamstring injury.
  • Cleveland’s defense leads the NFL in fewest total and rushing yards allowed, with Next Gen Stats showing a league-best rate of hitting ballcarriers before the line of scrimmage and Myles Garrett anchoring a disruptive front.
  • Cleveland’s offense has struggled at 14 points per game with eight turnovers, and the line is in flux after left tackle Dawand Jones’ season-ending leg injury, uncertainty around right tackle Jack Conklin, and a trade for veteran Cam Robinson as potential cover.