Browns Bench Flacco, Start Rookie Dillon Gabriel

The Cleveland Browns (1-3) have benched veteran Joe Flacco and named rookie Dillon Gabriel the Week 5 starter, while keeping Shedeur Sanders as a third‑string emergency option — a move that has drawn criticism from analysts calling for Sanders to be elevated. Flacco's early-season struggles (six interceptions) prompted the switch, with Bailey Zappe on the practice squad as depth. Deshaun Watson remains in rehab for a re-torn Achilles and, though eligible to open a 21‑day practice window, is not expected to be ready until around mid‑October. Defensively, Cleveland ranks first in total yards allowed but 24th in points allowed. Edge rusher Myles Garrett was limited in practice with an ankle issue and is considered day‑to‑day ahead of Sunday's London game against Minnesota; his availability is pivotal against a Vikings offensive line that has allowed a league‑high 18 sacks.