Cleveland Browns Elevate Dillon Gabriel as Starting QB Amidst Shedeur Sanders Controversy

The Cleveland Browns have made a quarterback change for their Week 5 game against the Minnesota Vikings, naming rookie Dillon Gabriel as the starter while veteran Joe Flacco remains the primary backup. Shedeur Sanders, another rookie quarterback, continues to be the third-string option and has not seen any game action, a decision that has frustrated some fans and former Browns legend Hanford Dixon, who advocates for giving Sanders a chance to prove himself. Sanders's reaction to Gabriel's promotion was notably silent and perceived as immature by some, leading to calls from the public and media for the Browns to cut him. Despite this, the Browns have not moved Sanders up the depth chart, and reports indicate they might even consider promoting another quarterback, Bailey Zappe, over Sanders if changes are needed. Head coach Kevin Stefanski has expressed confidence in Gabriel's readiness, while Sanders remains sidelined, creating ongoing debate about the team's quarterback future and development strategy. The situation highlights the Browns' struggle to find stability at quarterback amid a challenging start to the 2025 season.