Cleveland Browns quarterback Kenny Pickett injured his hamstring near the end of Saturday’s practice session, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The injury occurred during a red zone drill, where Pickett ended his session with a touchdown pass while rolling to his right. He is expected to be reevaluated later this week, leaving his short-term status uncertain as training camp intensifies.
Pickett’s Absence Opens Door for Others as Browns Evaluate Quarterback Rotation Depth
With Pickett temporarily sidelined, more practice reps are expected for the other quarterbacks in the competition: Joe Flacco, Dillon Gabriel, and Shedeur Sanders. Pickett had been splitting first-team snaps with Flacco throughout the first week of camp, while Gabriel occasionally rotated in. Sanders, a fifth-round rookie, has yet to receive first-team reps but may now see an increased opportunity to prove himself.
Browns head coach, Kevin Stefanski, has described the quarterback rotation as “fluid,” particularly during the early stages of camp. With the team’s first padded practice scheduled for Monday, Stefanski and the offensive staff are expected to assess performance and possibly adjust the rotation heading into the second week. The injury to Pickett may accelerate changes that were already under consideration.
Pickett’s Strong Start Praised Before Injury Disrupts His Crucial Contract-Year Campaign
Before the injury, Pickett had received high praise for his performance. Quarterbacks coach Bill Musgrave described his first two practices as “stellar” and had not anticipated any major shifts in the quarterback rotation. Musgrave highlighted the steady progress of all four quarterbacks, commending offensive coordinator Tommy Rees and Stefanski for ensuring each player got sufficient reps.
Pickett, originally a 2022 first-round pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers, was acquired by the Browns in March through a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles. Cleveland sent a fifth-round pick and quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson in exchange.
However, the Browns declined Pickett’s fifth-year option, meaning he is scheduled to become a free agent after the 2025 season. The injury adds another layer of complexity to what is already a pivotal training camp for his career.
