Did Browns rookie QB Dillon Gabriel do enough to stay ahead of Shedeur Sanders in first start?

Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders may have to wait his turn for a bit longer. 

Before Cleveland's Week 5 game against the Minnesota Vikings, Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski confirmed rookie QB Dillon Gabriel would be replacing Joe Flacco as the starter. The 40-year-old QB went 1-3 in four starts. Sanders, meanwhile, remains the team's QB3. 

In a story published Saturday, NFL Media's Ian Rapoport reported Sanders is still expected to play later this season when the coaching staff feels he's ready. Still, it's unlikely he'll play soon. Gabriel did enough to keep Sanders on the bench in Sunday's game in London. 

Dillon Gabriel looked solid in his debut against Vikings

Gabriel — whom the Browns selected with pick No. 94 in the 2025 NFL Draft — was one of the more seasoned QBs in the class. He played in 64 games in six seasons at Central Florida, Oklahoma and Oregon.

The experience gave him more confidence than the typical rookie QB. Ahead of his first start, the 24-year-old said he wasn't nervous and was ready. His composure benefited him against Minnesota. In the 21-17 loss, Gabriel finished 19-of-33 passing for 190 yards and two touchdowns. He also posted an above-average 94.3 passer rating.