Cleveland Browns quarterback Kenny Pickett suffered a hamstring injury during the latter part of Saturday’s practice session, and head coach Kevin Stefanski announced Monday that there is no set timetable for his return.
While details about the injury’s severity remain limited, Stefanski indicated that the team is adopting a day-to-day approach. An MRI conducted after the incident confirmed the injury, and Pickett is scheduled to be reevaluated later this week. The Browns’ coaching staff and medical team are monitoring his recovery closely.
Joe Flacco Takes Lead as Rookies Rotate in Amid Ongoing Quarterback Competition
In Pickett’s absence, veteran quarterback Joe Flacco will take the majority of first-team snaps as the Browns’ quarterback competition continues into the second week of training camp. Flacco, who split first-team reps with Pickett during the first week, now finds himself in a more prominent position.
Kenny Pickett Injured at Browns Camp as Joe Flacco Leads and Rookies Get Bigger RolesHis increased role may provide stability and leadership, particularly while the coaching staff evaluates how to distribute reps among the remaining quarterbacks.
With Pickett temporarily sidelined, rookie quarterbacks Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders are expected to see more action in training camp. Although both primarily led second and third team offenses last week, Stefanski suggested that they would be rotated more frequently moving forward. However, their roles with either the second or third team will depend on the specific goals and structure of each practice period.
Flexible Practice Strategy Aims to Maximize Rookie Development and Evaluate Quarterback Depth Effectively
Coach Stefanski emphasized the importance of flexibility in practice planning, stating that the reps given to Gabriel and Sanders would depend on the session’s objectives.
This adaptable approach allows the coaching staff to evaluate all quarterbacks in various scenarios, giving each player a chance to develop and demonstrate their potential. The team aims to optimize exposure and learning opportunities for the rookies while maintaining competitiveness across all units.
Among the quarterbacks in camp, Shedeur Sanders is the only one who has not yet taken first-team reps. A fifth-round draft pick, Sanders has shown promise, including highlight plays noted during camp. His performance may earn him more opportunities, especially with Pickett sidelined. As the Browns navigate this unexpected shift in their quarterback rotation, the coming weeks will be crucial for depth chart evaluations and long-term planning.
