Kevin Stefanski not ruling out Browns starting quarterback change in Week 5

Mike Moraitis

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Kevin Stefanski not ruling out Browns starting quarterback change in Week 5 image

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As the Cleveland Browns prepare to head overseas for a Week 5 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings, the door is apparently open for a quarterback change.

The current starter, Joe Flacco, has not been good in 2025. He had yet another rough outing in Week 4 against the Detroit Lions, when he threw a pair of picks, one of which was about as ugly an interception as you'll ever see.

When asked about a potential quarterback change for Week 5 on Monday, head coach Kevin Stefanski left the door open.

"My focus is on making sure this offense plays better," Stefanski said.

If the Browns do decide to make the switch, third-round pick Dillon Gabriel figures to get the first look. Gabriel is currently listed as the No. 2 quarterback on the Browns' depth chart ahead of Shedeur Sanders.

While Gabriel would likely get the nod over Sanders, it remains to be seen if the Colorado product would get a push up the depth chart to No. 2 if Flacco gets benched.

Stefanski wasn't ready to answer that question, according to Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com.

Gabriel has entered a game twice this season, playing a total of seven snaps. He took the field in Week 4 in garbage time but was 0-for-1 and handed the ball off twice on a drive that went three-and-out.

If the Browns do decide to make a change and go from Flacco to Gabriel, the rookie will be in a tough spot.

Not only will he have to overcome the adjustment needed to play overseas, he'll also be facing a Vikings defense that is ranked third against the pass.

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Mike Moraitis

Mike Moraitis is a freelance writer who covers the NFL for the Sporting News. Over his nearly two decades covering sports, Mike has also worked for Bleacher Report, USA TODAY and FanSided. He hates writing in the third person.