The Cleveland Browns are not taking chances in London. With kickoff looming against the Minnesota Vikings, the team quickly reshuffled its roster just hours after cornerback Greg Newsome II was listed as questionable. Newsome’s hamstring issue surfaced late in the week, leaving the Browns scrambling for depth in the secondary.

To guard against being short-handed, the Browns elevated cornerbacks Tre Avery and Dom Jones from the practice squad. It’s a repeat move from last week, when both were called up for the loss against the Lions. Avery, now in his fourth season, made two tackles in that game. Jones, a rookie out of Colorado State, has been used in both defensive and special teams snaps.

The decision really shows how cautious Cleveland is being. Newsome’s injury first came to light on Wednesday, but head coach Kevin Stefanski mentioned it might have been bothering him since the Lions game. This situation pushed the Browns to act quickly, making sure they have options ready in case Newsome can’t play against Minnesota.

Along with the roster news, there were a few other updates. Defensive tackle Mike Hall Jr. didn’t travel with the team and will be sitting out his fifth consecutive game due to a knee injury. Right tackle Jack Conklin is still questionable because of an elbow issue, but he’s been eager to get back on the field, according to Stefanski.

By promoting Avery and Jones, the Browns have strengthened their cornerback depth for a game that could really depend on defensive matchups. This quick turnaround emphasizes the need to protect a secondary that’s already feeling the strain as Cleveland prepares to take the field in London.

Dillon Gabriel Steps In as Browns’ New Starting QB, Aims to Break Decades-Old Curse

The Cleveland Browns are turning the page at quarterback. Head coach Kevin Stefanski confirmed Dillon Gabriel will replace veteran Joe Flacco as the starter, with Shedeur Sanders remaining QB3. Flacco now slides into the backup role.

This decision wasn’t taken lightly. Flacco had his moments, but he also faced challenges. In five starts with the Browns this season, he managed to throw 13 touchdowns but also racked up eight interceptions. His previous season with the Colts was a mixed bag as well, with 12 touchdowns and seven picks over eight games. While the Browns appreciated his ability to make big plays, the turnovers ultimately proved to be a significant issue.

Now, all eyes are on Gabriel. The rookie is set to make his first NFL start this Sunday in London against the Minnesota Vikings. Given the Browns’ long and tumultuous history with quarterbacks, this is no small feat. Gabriel will become the 41st starting quarterback for the franchise since its return in 1999, which, as noted by ProFootball’s Mike Florio, is the highest in the NFL—11 more than the Chicago Bears, who are in second place with 30.

The odds are stacked against him. Cleveland quarterbacks have struggled in their debut starts for nearly 30 years. The last one to succeed was Eric Zeier on October 30, 1995, when he threw for 310 yards and a touchdown in an overtime victory over the Bengals. There have been 16 Browns QBs since then who made their starting debuts and fell short.

Gabriel, though, brings new hope. “With fresh talent at the helm, the Browns aim to rewrite history,” Stefanski stated in support of the rookie’s elevation. For a team long plagued by quarterback woes, Sunday might be the beginning of something new—or yet another entry in the curse.