The Cleveland Browns are making a change under center.
After four weeks of struggles, Dillon Gabriel is replacing Joe Flacco as QB1, according to multiple reports. The shakeup comes amid Cleveland’s 0-4 start, with the team preparing to face the Vikings in London on Sunday morning.
Here’s what you need to know about Flacco’s demotion—and what it means for the Browns’ quarterback depth chart.
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Did Joe Flacco get benched?
The Browns will move Flacco to the sideline in Week 5, multiple reports confirmed on Wednesday, Oct. 1. He'll be replaced by Gabriel, who was Flacco's understudy during the opening four weeks of the season.
Wednesday's report, which adds that members of the Browns have been informed of the decision, confirmed initial reporting from CBS Sports' Matt Zenitz.
Flacco struggled through his first four starts, throwing an interception in each game as Cleveland stumbled to an 0-4 record. The 18-year veteran, who turns 41 in January, has largely been deployed as a stopgap while the Browns reshaped their quarterback room.
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Rookie Dillon Gabriel flashed promise in two preseason appearances, recording a higher completion percentage and more passing yards than fellow rookie Shedeur Sanders. He’ll now take over the Browns’ first-team offense in hopes of sparking one of the league’s worst attacks.
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Is Dillon Gabriel starting against the Vikings?
Yes, Gabriel will start against the Vikings in Week 5. Head coach Kevin Stefanski informed his team of the switch four days before they took the field in England.
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Could Shedeur Sanders start in place of Joe Flacco?
Naturally, some fans may see Flacco’s potential demotion as an opening for Shedeur Sanders to get snaps. But there’s little indication the Colorado alum will see the field anytime soon.
Sanders remains listed as the Browns’ third-string quarterback, and if Flacco is indeed benched, he’s expected to swap places with Dillon Gabriel rather than with Sanders.
Browns QB depth chart
With Gabriel officially set to start, here is a look at Cleveland's QB depth chart:
| QB | Player |
| 1 | Dillon Gabriel |
| 2 | Joe Flacco |
| 3 | Shedeur Sanders |