CLEVELAND, Ohio — The Browns take part in the NFL International Series, and play the Minnesota Vikings today at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England. Kickoff is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. Eastern Time.
The big news going into Week 5 is the change at quarterback. Kevin Stefanski promoted rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel to starter, while demoting Joe Flacco to second-string.
The decision comes after a bad Week 4 loss to Detroit, in which Flacco completed 47.1% of his passes for 184 yards and three turnovers: two interceptions and one fumble.
Cleveland took Gabriel with the No. 94 pick this past April, and now grant him his first career start.
Gabriel will face a Vikings defense that ranks ninth in points allowed (20.0), third in passing yards allowed (151.5), and ties for fourth in takeaways (seven).
Minnesota’s defense will be without outside linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel (neck), who finished 2024 tied for eighth in sacks (11.5).
As for the other side, Cleveland’s defense faces a Vikings offense that ranks 24th in passing yards (184.8), ties for tenth in points (25.5), and ties for fifth in giveaways (seven).
Backup quarterback Carson Wentz will start a third consecutive game in place J.J. McCarthy (ankle). However, Wentz will be without three of his starting linemen due to injuries.
Defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz is familiar with Wentz. They simultaneously spent five seasons in Philadelphia (2016-2020), where they won Super Bowl LII.
Cleveland’s inactive players include QB Shedeur Sanders, S Damont
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