Overview

• Head coach Kevin Stefanski confirmed Gabriel will start against the Vikings in London, with Joe Flacco designated as the backup and Shedeur Sanders inactive as the emergency third quarterback.
• Cleveland’s 1-3 start and Flacco’s eight turnovers through four games were cited in local reporting as key factors in the switch after the offense lagged behind a top-ranked defense.
• Myles Garrett and Grant Delpit praised Gabriel’s poise and command in practice, with coaches stressing a supportive plan to keep a rookie from pressing.
• Sanders drew attention with a silent locker-room exchange that critics labeled immature, though he also detailed taking scout-team reps as his weekly “game day.”
• NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported the Browns like Sanders’ feel and composure but do not view him as ready to start, adding he probably gets a look later this season, while longtime reporter Tony Grossi said the team has had Gabriel ahead since spring.