New Delhi, Oct. 1 -- The Cleveland Browns have benched veteran quarterback Joe Flacco, naming rookie Dillon Gabriel as the starting quarterback for their upcoming game on Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings in London. Notably, Browns players were informed of the change early Wednesday, signalling a new direction for the struggling team.

Flacco, who started the first four games of the season, will slide into the backup role. Rookie Shedeur Sanders will remain the third-string quarterback, according to a report by ESPN. However, the Browns did not release an official depth chart beyond Gabriel's designation as the starter.

Flacco's performance this season has been underwhelming, contributing to the Browns' decision to name Gabriel as the...