The Cleveland Browns have been terrible to start the season and it could force a change in the most important position in football. Entering Week 5 matchup, according to insider Matt Zenitz, the Browns are reportedly starting Dillon Gabriel in the game against the Minnesota Vikings.
Gabriel, who led Oregon to an unbeaten regular season in 2024, was picked in the third round of the 2025 NFL draft by the Browns. Two rounds later, the franchise picked another rookie in the form of Shedeur Sanders. Both quarterbacks were able to make the 53-man roster out of preseason games.
REPORT: Dillon Gabriel is expected to start for the Browns in Week 5 vs. the Vikings, per @mzenitz.
With Cleveland 1-3, the third-round pick looks like he'll get his first career start in the regular season. pic.twitter.com/Vz9R013vRW
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) September 30, 2025
If the report is true, it means the Browns are ready to think beyond Joe Flacco, a former Super Bowl champion, who has struggled to lead the franchise to enough victories in 2025. Through three games, Flacco has 93 completions on 160 pass attempts for 815 yards, two touchdowns and six interceptions.
Here’s game-by-game stats of Flacco:
- Week 1 vs Cincinnati: 31/45, 290 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs
- Week 2 @ Baltimore: 25/45, 199 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
- Week 3 vs Green Bay: 21/36, 142 yards, 0 TD, 1 INT
- Week 4 vs Detroit: 16/34, 184 yards, 0 TDs, 2 interceptions, plus a lost fumble.
Shedeur Sanders Confident of His Capability
Shedeur Sanders was projected to go in the first round of the 2025 NFL draft. However, he slipped dramatically from first-round pick to the fifth round before the Browns chose him with their No. 144 pick.
Despite being a third-string quarterback on the Browns’ roster, Sanders recently spoke with ESPN Cleveland, claiming he’s better than some of the starting QBs in the NFL.
“I know if you see the quarterback play in the league right now, I know I’m capable of doing better than that,” he said.
In the meantime, Shedeur Sanders is doing everything he can to stay fit and ready when the opportunity comes knocking.
“Overall, I feel like I’m doing great and doing what I need to do each and every day,” Sanders said. “Remaining focused and mind on the complete mission, not really get comfortable. I’m not comfortable being a scout team player, but honestly, that’s my situation, so I’m going to make the best of it and enjoy my moment.”
Read More News:
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in football, basketball, and more!
