Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel is reportedly set to make his maiden NFL start in Week 5. He'll replace veteran Joe Flacco under center when the club travels across the pond to face the Minnesota Vikings in London, England.
CBS Sports' Matt Zenitz is under the "current belief" that the Browns will pivot from Flacco to Gabriel against the Vikings. Cleveland head coach Kevin Stefanski has been hesitant to make this move, though the team's offensive shortcomings have ostensibly forced his hand. Nevertheless, looking past the international bout with Minnesota, a date with the rival Pittsburgh Steelers awaits the 2025 third-round selection.
The current belief is that the #Browns are going to make a change at quarterback and start rookie Dillon Gabriel this week vs. the Vikings, sources tell @CBSSports pic.twitter.com/UKvkzazXWw
— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) September 30, 2025
Barring any unforeseen circumstances, a clash with the Steelers in Pittsburgh is on the docket for a Gabriel-led Browns squad in their ensuing contest. It'll mark the 2024 Heisman Trophy finalist's first taste of AFC North action; talk about a warm welcome to the division moment.
Browns rookie QB Dillon Gabriel in for rude awakening in first AFC North clash vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
The Black and Gold faithful will surely be on their best behavior when Gabriel takes the field in Pittsburgh -- not.
Gabriel was touted out of college for carrying himself with moxie, in addition to having a pro-ready arm, strong pocket presence and plus mobility. However, the Steelers will put his self-belief to the test in ways he's yet to experience.
Steelers fans in attendance figure to give Gabriel a hearty and boisterous crowd he'll never forget. The goal is to rattle his confidence so much that the Browns wind up with their next bust of a draft pick. Strive to send a message that Cleveland's annual trip to Acrisure Stadium is like stepping into the lion's den.
Not only is Gabriel slated to enter a hostile environment, but he'll be challenged with overcoming a fierce Steelers front seven. Perennial Defensive Player of the Year candidate T.J. Watt and Co. can generate pressure at will and get to the passer. Pittsburgh's tied for the second-most sacks in football (14) through four games, highlighting their ability to make life difficult for an opposing signal-caller.
Pittsburgh's knack for disruption is bad news for Gabriel and a Browns squad listed as Pro Football Focus' No. 30-ranked pass-blocking unit ($). The undersized southpaw is barbecue chicken for Watt and his Steelers comrades. This truly feels like one of the more unenviable matchups imaginable for any young player getting their bearings in the league.