The competition for the Browns’ quarterback spot is heating up.
Kenny Pickett, a key contender, hurt his hamstring during practice on Saturday. He’ll be reevaluated later in the week, as reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
According to Schefter, Pickett “was away from strong practices,” but the team’s options, including Joe Flacco, Dillon Gabriel, and Shedeur Sanders, are expected to step in.
Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski mentioned before Monday’s practice that there’s no set timeline for Pickett’s return, though they are monitoring injuries daily.
“It’s disappointing for any player to be sidelined, but he’s here and getting better,” Stefanski noted. “He’ll miss today and probably a few more days.”
He added, “I’m confident Kenny will focus on his rehabilitation. All these players are putting in the effort to improve on tape.”
Stefanski also said Flacco has been taking most of the first-team reps while Gabriel and Sanders will have additional exposure with different groups.
Last season, Pickett was a backup with the Eagles before being traded to the Browns in March. He previously spent two seasons with the Steelers, starting 12 games each in 2022 and 2023.
Flacco, 40, hasn’t been a full-time starter since 2017 with the Ravens, but he remains on the roster. He played in five games for the Colts last season before signing a one-year, $4 million contract with the Browns in April.
The Browns selected Gabriel in the third round of the 2025 draft and picked Sanders, a former standout at Colorado, in the fifth round.
