Browns quarterback controversy takes new turn before London clash
Browns QB Joe Flacco got off to a rough start and will be sitting on the sidelines while a rookie takes his spot for the game vs Vikings in London.
During the NFL offseason, there was a lot of controversy about the quarterback situation in Cleveland. The Browns drafted two rookies and had three veterans on the lineup. The Browns chose Dillon Gabriel in the third round and Shedeur Sanders in the fifth. Of the veterans, DeShaun Watson was injured, and that left Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett. Before the season started, the Browns traded Pickett away, and the battle of the rookies began. Although Shedeur was selected later, it was a shock, considering he was projected to be a top-10 pick. So it was never certain where he might end up in the depth chart.
In the end, head coach Kevin Stefanski announced Flacco as the starter, Gabriel as his backup, and Sanders as the QB3. Fast forward to four weeks into the season, and things haven’t gone quite as the team hoped.
#Browns QB Joe Flacco through four weeks:
— Grant Puskar (@grant_puskar_) September 29, 2025
1st in ATT (160)
32nd in CMP% (58.1)
34th in TD (2)
2nd most INTs (6)
Dead last RTG (60.3) pic.twitter.com/ej0yDygEAJ
Browns shake up QB room ahead of London game vs Vikings
The Browns are off to a 1-3 start after losing to the Bengals, Ravens, and Lions. Their lone win was a one-point victory over the Green Bay Packers. Flacco has thrown six interceptions and has the league-worst passer rating. And so the Browns are reportedly set to bench him for Week 5.
The current belief is that the #Browns are going to make a change at quarterback and start rookie Dillon Gabriel this week vs. the Vikings, sources tell @CBSSports pic.twitter.com/UKvkzazXWw
— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) September 30, 2025
The Browns have an international game this week. On Sunday, they’ll face the Minnesota Vikings in London at Tottneham Hotspur Stadium.
As Gabriel is the QB2, he will likely get the start ahead of Sanders, but this could open up an opportunity for Sanders eventually as he remains an intriguing option. If Gabriel falters, Sanders could quickly move up the depth chart and make his NFL debut.
Shedeur Sanders working out on his off day 🔥🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/q8nyGPTEP9
— ESPN Cleveland (@ESPNCleveland) September 30, 2025
With a crucial stretch of games ahead, the Browns hope this quarterback shakeup will revive their struggling offense.
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