The Cleveland Browns appear poised to make a change under center.
After four weeks of struggles, starter Joe Flacco is reportedly on the verge of being replaced by Dillon Gabriel, 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 apparent demotion—and what it means for the Browns’ quarterback depth chart.
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Did Joe Flacco get benched?
The Browns, indeed, look slated to bring Flacco to the sideline in Week 5, according to CBS Sports' Matt Zenitz. He's expected to be replaced by Gabriel, who served as Flacco's understudy during the opening four weeks of the season.
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.
Cleveland released an unofficial depth chart on Tuesday afternoon with Flacco still listed as QB1, though there’s no guarantee that will remain the case by Sunday.
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Is Dillon Dillon Gabriel starting against the Vikings?
As previously mentioned, Flacco is still listed as the Browns' starter in the unofficial depth chart they released on Tuesday. Zenitz's report indicates that might not be the case come the end of the week, though, with Gabriel waiting in the wings.
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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
Flacco is still designated as the Browns' official starter as of Tuesday, Sept. 30.
| QB | Player |
| 1 | Joe Flacco |
| 2 | Dillon Gabriel |
| 3 | Shedeur Sanders |