According to Scott Petrak in The Chronicle-Telegram, head coach Kevin Stefanski announced that Kenny Pickett would return to some drills today for the first time since June 26. He also reported that Shedeur Sanders will miss practice today due to an oblique injury, but Stefanski expects him to be available tomorrow.

The early return of rookie Shedeur offers a major lift for the Browns as he prepares to play his final preseason game against the Rams before making his official NFL debut. In his only appearance against the Carolina Panthers, Sanders showcased his readiness to step into a prominent role at quarterback as he completed 14 of 23 passes, accumulating 138 yards and two touchdowns.

While Kenny Pickett did not secured the QB1 position, with Joe Flacco assuming the starting role, his presence on the roster remains important for the team’s future. Pickett did not become a high-caliber player for the Steelers, his league experience could makes him a valuable asset as a potential backup. He could provide essential support for the 40-year-old Flacco if he needs rest during the season.

Does Shedeur Sanders have a real chance to earn a bigger role at quarterback with the Browns?

Shedeur Sanders delivered a standout performance for the Cleveland Browns, catching many fans off guard. This has sparked speculation that the 23-year-old Sanders might vie for a more prominent role, potentially challenging for the QB2 position. However, the path to securing this spot will not be simple.

Kenny Pickett’s three-year tenure in the NFL presents a strong case for retaining him as the backup quarterback. His proven track record and experience in crucial games provide a level of reliability that head coach Kevin Stefanski might prioritize. As a result, the real competition for Sanders may indeed be for the QB3 spot. As Dillon Gabriel’s performance was highly criticized, Shedeur could be a potential favorite to clinch that spot.

Tony Grossi was under the spotlight after Shedeur Sanders‘ preseason debut for the Cleveland Browns. However, the NFL reporter is now providing an update on another quarterback on the roster, Dillon Gabriel. This sheds new light on the battle for a starting job that also includes Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett as well.

Grossi reported that while Sanders was in full uniform, he didn’t throw as he is still recovering from an oblique injury. However, Dillon Gabriel was ‘full go’ according to Grossi.

This is massive news for Gabriel, who will play on the second preseason game if fit enough. It seems that he is ready to go. Gabriel needs to impress as Shedeur had a very good performance on the Browns’ first preseason appearance.

The rookies want to put pressure on the vets

With Sanders impressing and Gabriel having the opportunity to do so, the rookies want to put doubts into head coach Kevin Stefanski. Sanders played most of the game against Carolina, and he completed 14-23 passes for 138 yards and two touchdowns.

This is also pressure on Dillon Gabriel. After all, he was picked before Sanders in the NFL Draft and was put before Sanders too on the team’s depth chart. If he can’t produce as well as Sanders, he might fall in the pecking order. Remember Kenny Pickett is still dealing with a hamstring injury that might recover soon.

It’s still Joe Flacco’s job to lose

As of right now, Joe Flacco is still on pole position to be the starter come Week 1. Flacco is a well-established veteran in the NFL that knows the ins-and-outs of the league. He also knows how to read defenses and still has lots of strength in his throwing arm.

What the other guys have over him is athleticism, but if Flacco is able to move the chains, the likely outcome is Stefanski will ride with him all the way. However, having all these names on the roster might put the playing quarterback on a short leash, as there will always be a ‘next man up’.

The Cleveland Browns are still observing their four quarterbacks before definitely naming one of them their starter. However, Kenny Pickett suffered an injury just as he was gaining momentum. He spoke to the press and he had some confident words to say as he battles Joe Flacco and rookies Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel.

Pickett spoke on Saturday after the Browns practice, which he missed as he recovers from a hamstring injury. When asked about his determination and if his goal is still to start for this team, Pickett was clear.

“Yeah, 100% it is,” Pickett said. “I’m trying to get back out there, you know, as fast as possible. I’ve never had a soft tissue injury like this. I felt like I came in great shape, was hitting numbers speed wise that I’ve never hit before. So, it’s frustrating that it happened but you know, turn the page and just trying to be as good as I can be when I do return.” The rest of the quarterbacks can’t rest on their laurels, because Pickett is coming for everything.

Joe Flacco might be Pickett’s biggest rival

Reports before Pickett’s injury stated that it was Joe Flacco and him battling it out, with Flacco being a bit ahead of the former Steeler, but nothing decisive. This means Pickett needs to recover some ground against Flacco, as he was ahead of rookies Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders, who missed last practice due to arm soreness.

Pickett has never shown elite skills in the NFL, but he has the opportunity to establish himself on the Browns. Flacco is 40 years old and doesn’t have that much time. He won’t improve as he is a finished product. Pickett is only 27 years old, he is entering what should be his prime. Sanders and Gabriel seem to green to start.

The Browns expectations fall solely on their quarterback

The Browns are facing a tough reality. All their hopes and season objectives fall in Stefanski’s decision of who will be the starting quarterback. They have a decent wide receiver corp in Jerry Jeudy and Cedric Tillman. The Browns have a top tight end like David Njoku. The running game of the team is a bit messy at the time due to rookie Quishon Judkins’ legal situation, but you get the point. They have some talent there.

The issue is that it’s not that much talent to carry a quarterback. Meaning, it’s enough talent to get carried by the quarterback, but not to disguise it. That’s why Stefanski picking the correct signal-caller is key for the Browns, it will make or break Cleveland’s season.

Availability is the best ability. Someone tell the Cleveland Browns quarterbacks that. Of course, it’s not like they choose to get injured, but timing is everything. Kenny Pickett was going in the right direction until an injury sidelined him. However, it’s Shedeur Sanders as well who skipped team drills this Friday.

The reason? According to Mary Kay Cabot, Browns insider, Sanders had arm soreness. Not to diminish the issue, but if you’re fighting for a starting spot, skipping team drills for soreness might not cut it.

The fanbase is not precisely excited by going with Joe Flacco, as it’s been reported that the NFL veteran is poised to be the starter on Week 1.”Looks like we’re really going with Joe… sigh,” and plenty more reactions on X state the disappointment on the current Browns situation.

Kevin Stefanski also stated Kenny Pickett is recovering but not fully ready to go for joint practices next week. Alas, fans are not thrilled with the idea of Shedeur just no-showing on team drills.

Sanders has had many ups and downs on the Browns already

Look, there hasn’t been many fifth-round rookies as polarizing as Shedeur Sanders. Since college, he has been a megastar due to his father, Deion Sanders. However, in his few months after the NFL draft, Sanders has either impressed or disappointed, there’s no in between with him.

The good? It seems like Shedeur is ready to prove doubters wrong with as he has a first-in, last-out attitude. He is also trying to improve constantly and apparently, his teammates like him. The bad? He’s been caught twice speeding which led to police reports. Also, his popularity has made the Browns quarterback battle more mediatic than it should, hence, putting more pressure on the team.

Browns other quarterbacks are opposites to Sanders

While Sanders lives in a larger-than-life way, the other quarterbacks competing to start on the Browns are much more lowkey and discreet. Joe Flacco is the old-school veteran who knows his best days are past him. Still, he is a productive, savvy old fox.

Kenny Pickett is a former first-round pick that is going for a redemption story as he failed to deliver as a starter. However, he’s been on solid franchises where he’s learned how to compete at the highest level. He was a backup on the Super Bowl-winning Eagles roster. As for Gabriel, he is a driven, quiet, hard working rookie. He will do everything in his power to become a solid starter in the NFL.

Seriously, all NFL media has to thank the Cleveland Browns for their four-way quarterback battle this offseason. It has fed us with plenty of content and this time is no different. Kenny Pickett started to gain some terrain against Joe Flacco, Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel, but then suffered an injury. Now, the head coach Kevin Stefanski has given an update regarding Pickett’s health.

Speaking before Friday’s practice, Stefanski was somewhat cryptic on his response regarding Pickett’s status. “Obviously disappointed that he’s not full go, but he’s very much involved in everything we’re doing,” Stefanski said. Next week, the Browns will have joint practices with the Carolina Panthers. Stefanski’s answer leaves the door half-open, half-closed regarding Pickett’s status.

The Browns quarterback battle has seen many updates but it’s Stefanski the one in charge of actually choosing who the starter will be. It all points to veteran Joe Flacco leading the charge, though Pickett was getting his fair share of first-team reps.

What is Shedeur’s status?

Shedeur Sanders is not doing precisely great. First and foremost, he’s had a couple of mishaps out of footballing activity with the law, something that has been reported wasn’t taken nicely by the front office. Not only that, his larger-than-life persona is somewhat distracting and polarizing. On the field, he’s had good and bad days, but his first-team reps have decreased.

In fact, it would seem as other rookie Dillon Gabriel is also ahead of Shedeur on the depth chart. Gabriel is a much lower profile rookie and while his intangibles aren’t as scrutinized as Shedeur’s, he has shown Cleveland he is there to work and earn his place.

The Browns quarterbacks are on a short leash

Let’s not be naive. Whoever earns the starting spot is walking on a tight rope. As soon as the mistakes begin, the coaching staff might look for the next man up. That until they find who gives the team the best chance to win NFL games. The fact that Flacco is projected to start is no guarantee that he’ll end the season still as QB1.

That means, even if you’re first or last on the depth chart, depending on how it goes, you could still end up having plenty of in-season snaps. The saying goes “if you have two quarterbacks, then you have none.” Well, the Browns have four so Stefanski has plenty to analize to pick his guy come Week 1.

After Kenny Pickett went down with an injury, the Cleveland Browns head coach, Kevin Stefanski, has to distribute his practice snap count between the other three quarterbacks battling for the starting spot. It was veteran Joe Flacco the one who got the most of them, sending a clear message to rookies Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders.

Pickett is dealing with a harmstring injured, however, it seems like there is no big concern as he should be back soon. In the meantime, Stefanski stated that Flacco will have the most first-team practice reps.

Gabriel had some reps with the first offense, but Shedeur is dealing mostly with the reserves. This all points to the fact that Stefanski might be putting the depth chart in order. Flacco would start, Pickett will be the first backup, then Gabriel, and lastly, Sanders.

“I think it’s really dependent on the period, what we’re trying to accomplish in that period,” Stefanski said of Gabriel and Sanders’ snap count, via Pro Football Talk. “Just moving these guys around, giving them some more exposure.”

Flacco is still very capable despite his age

An NFL player since 2008, the 40-year old veteran has seen it all in this league. A Super Bowl winner with the Ravens, Flacco is far removed from his prime, but he is still a very good quarterback. Last year, he played in eight games for the Colts, starting six of them. He had a 2-4 record, but averaged a 65.3% passing completion, 220 yards per game and threw for 12 touchdowns to 7 interceptions.

Flacco’s ability to read defenses and the fact that he still has a very strong arm are what allows him to beat average signal-callers on the roster. His mileage is what sets him apart, despite not being mobile or speedy. Because he knows how to read defenses, he goes through his progressions really fast and that allows him to move the chains.

Flacco knows the Browns system

Flacco already played under Stefanski in 2023. He played five games and went 4-1 while winning the Comeback Player of the Year in the process. He actually helped the Browns go to the playoffs as they ended with an 11-6 record.

In that span, he surpassed 300 yards in four of those games. He had a 90.2 passer rate too. Therefore, it’s safe to say he did pretty good in Stefanski’s offense. Now, he has new weapons that were not in 2023 like Jerry Jeudy and Diontae Johnson, but you can argue those are upgrades.

Although Pickett had been well regarded by the coaching staff, this incident now puts him in a position where he’ll be playing catch-up. It remains to be seen how severe the injury is to determine just how long he’ll be sidelined during training camp.

The news was confirmed by NFL insider Adam Schefter, who, through his official X (formerly Twitter) account, provided more details about this unexpected development at the Browns’ facilities.

“Browns QB Kenny Pickett injured his hamstring near the end of Saturday’s practice and is expected to re-evaluate the injury later this week, per sources,” the insider reported.

“Pickett was coming off a strong couple of practices, per sources, and at least for the short term, there now will be more reps for Joe Flacco, Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders,” Schefter also added.

Stefanski’s decision: Who will start?

The weekend brought an interesting turn of events at the Browns’ facilities after Kenny Pickett’s injury was revealed following Saturday’s practice. With questions surrounding his return, only three contenders remain in the race for the starting job.

Now, Stefanski is forced to give more reps to veteran Joe Flacco as well as rookies Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel. With little certainty over who holds the upper hand, answers will slowly begin to emerge as the days go by.

Looking ahead to a new season

The Browns will look to battle in the AFC North, despite the tough competition from their rivals. These are the early challenges they’ll need to face if they want to start the upcoming season on the right foot:

• vs Cincinnati Bengals, September 7th
• @ Baltimore Ravens, September 14th
• vs Green Bay Packers, September 21st
• @ Detroit Lions, September 28th
• @ Minnesota Vikings, October 5th

With Deshaun Watson sidelined due to a torn Achilles tendon, the competition now features four contenders. The most experienced of them is veteran Flacco, a Super Bowl XLVII champion, who brings leadership and proven talent following his return to the Browns in 2023. At the same time, Pickett appears to have a strong chance after arriving in March 2025 from the Philadelphia Eagles.

In contrast, rookies Sanders, selected in the fifth round of the draft, and Dillon Gabriel, picked in the third round, offer youth and long-term upside. Stefanski made it clear he values the variety of options the team has at this critical position.

Who will be the Browns’ starting quarterback?

Stefanski confirmed that the Browns‘ quarterback job will be decided after a thorough evaluation. “We have to take in information every single day, take in how guys are handling certain situations, and then adjust from there. But we’ll get to those type of decisions later on,” Stefanski admitted at a press conference.

“Listen, I think the big thing for me is putting our guys in a position where we can evaluate them. I think they did a great job in the spring. All four of those guys, I will continue to put them in some situations, but ultimately, we’d love to make decisions sooner than later,” Stefanski said.

Who has the edge?

While Flacco and Pickett currently look like the favorites thanks to their experience and steady presence, Stefanski is taking his time to assess all options. Sanders and Gabriel have their future ahead of them and will look to make the most of this opportunity as professionals, while the Browns continue to await Watson’s return.

The Cleveland Browns have given plenty to talk about during the offseason. Now, as NFL training camps begin, their quarterback battle is in full-throttle. Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel reported to camp a week ago, but now, veterans Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett joined them. Almost immediately, a new report regarding who can be the starter has arised.

As training camp started, they only had two real practice periods versus the defensive unit. First, a modified 7-on-7 with the veterans on one field and the rookies on the other. Then, an 11-on-11 team period at the end of the practice.

According to Chris Easterling from the Akron Beacon Journal, it was Kenny Pickett the one who got the most time with the starters on 11-on-11 duties. He also was second during the modified 7-on-7 drills, where he went 5/5 on his throws. He also ended his 11-on-11 series with a deep pass to wideout Jerry Jeudy.

Pickett hasn’t been talked about much, but he is in the mix

While many assume the Browns will go with either Joe Flacco or one of the rookies, Kenny Pickett has been putting in the work this offseason. It was reported that he had developed some good chemistry with Jeudy, the best receiver on the team.

Pickett has a lot to overcome as he was a first-round pick a few years ago and failed to deliver as the Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback. After that, he was the backup of Jalen Hurts during last season as the Philadelphia Eagles won the Super Bowl. This might be Pickett’s last chance to be a starter in the NFL.

How did the other QBs play?

Flacco did all he could on 7-on-7 drills, as he only took two snaps on 11-on-11 and both were runs. However, he faced the no.1 defensive unit on the team. His highlight was a diving out route pass caught by Michael Woods II.

Gabriel was a bit more active. He completed all his five passes during the modified 7-on-7 portion of the practice. Three of those passes went into Luke Floriea’s direction. On 11-on-11, he impressed with a deep corner throw to Gage Larvadian that turned into a touchdown. However, it was not all fun and rainbows, as he had a miscommunication with new wideout Diontae Johnson. The receiver cut a deep stop route and Gabriel threw it a few feet further.

Last but not least, Shedeur Sanders. The former Colorado man had three passes off-target in the five-pass series. Not great. During the 11-on-11 series, he had multiple handoffs. Not the best practice for Shedeur as he seeks the opportunity to start as a rookie in the NFL.

One more NFL offseason day, one more Cleveland Browns report about their quarterback battle. By this time, you know the suspects, it’s Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett and rookies Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel. Now, a new report states one of them might be getting the best of the others.

Judy Battista, from NFL Network, reported that it’s the former Oregon Duck, Dillon Gabriel, the one who has been in better shape. According to Battista’s report, Gabriel has made his processing speed and decision-making two of his biggest strenghts. Those are the two categories the Browns really put focus on.

While it still seems like Joe Flacco is getting the upper hand, Gabriel might have leapfrogged Shedeur Sanders and Kenny Pickett on the pecking order. Battista also notes that Sanders’ off-field decision-making has left a lot to be desired inside the Browns’ facilities.

Oregon has given NFL starting quarterbacks

Oregon has developed into a very good program when it comes to creating NFL-ready quarterbacks. Marcus Mariota was a starter for multiple years in the league, mainly with the Tennessee Titans. Now, Justin Herbert is not only a starter on the Chargers, but one of the best signal-callers in the league. Last season, it was Bo Nix the one who took charge of the Denver Broncos and set high expectations with his good level of play.

For this season, it’s Dillon Gabriel’s turn to represent his alma-mater to a good capacity if given the chance. Also, Tyler Shough, drafted by the New Orleans Saints, played for Oregon back in 2020 for seven games. He is also in the middle of a QB battle against Spencer Rattler and Jake Haener.

Cleveland’s quarterback room is all over the place

The Browns not only are having four quarterbacks battling for one spot, but they all are very different. Joe Flacco is a 40-year-old veteran who has a thousand battles under his sleeves. Kenny Pickett has been a backup to a Super Bowl team, but when the chance was given to him, he failed to impress, his arm is not that strong but he has some ability to improvise.

As for Shedeur, he is more than just a rookie. Being the son of Deion Sanders, an NFL legend, he is almost a larger-than-life figure. You can even wonder if his focus is fully on football, as he’s been seen partying, doing commercials, etc. His brand is just too big to ignore. Lastly, Dillon Gabriel, a soft-spoken, focused rookie that might be the best project for the future, but has ways to go to develop his game to his full potential.

The Cleveland Browns have an unwavering need to end up in messy quarterback situations every single time it seems. From the Baker Mayfield saga, to the Deshaun Watson contract, and now, a four-man battle to be the starting signal-caller and the most polarizing QB in the draft, Shedeur Sanders. One of those four has been training plenty of time of the team’s best receiver.

The offseason talk has been around rookies Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel pushing for snaps. Or, it’s also been about Joe Flacco being the veteran and the presumed starter. Now, it seems it’s time to talk about the odd man out, Kenny Pickett.

Arriving from Philadelphia after a Super Bowl win, Pickett has been pushing to get a second chance as a starting quarterback in the NFL. He didn’t deliver as the Steelers quarterback and was the backup for the Eagles. Now, according to ESPN’s Daniel Oyefusi, Pickett has “developed a strong on-field rapport” with none other than Jerry Jeudy.

Having chemistry with Jerry Jeudy is key for the Browns

Jerry Jeudy arrived in the NFL with plenty of hype. However, his time on the Broncos wasn’t what anyone expected. However, his first year in Cleveland was great. He had over 1,000 yards for the first time in his career and had 90 catches, 23 more than his previous best. If Pickett really built big chemistry with Jeudy, it can go a long way for him to get the QB1 spot.

Jeudy is a crisp route runner and the clear-cut number one option on this team. He scored four touchdowns last year. With his output, the Browns can dream about scoring points. Still, the quarterback needs to find him, accuracy has to be there and developing chemistry is a good way to do so.

The Browns need to clear the air now

Training camps are about to start and if you don’t have a defined quarterback by preseason, you are way behind schedule. The thing is, with this Pickett report, it might seem worse as the problem to pick between the four contestants is now bigger. Instead of narrowing it down, it’s amplifying.

In the end, you can always count on the Browns for some drama, but you can’t ignore there is talent on the roster. If they get it right (which is hard enough), they might still be a competitive team once the season rolls around.