Kenny Pickett's hamstring injury at Browns camp (July 2025) shakes up the QB battle, giving Joe Flacco a clear path to the starting job. Get the latest.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
Just days into training camp, the Cleveland Browns' most scrutinized position battle has been thrown into chaos. An AP source confirmed Monday that quarterback Kenny Pickett will be sidelined with a hamstring injury, a significant blow to his chances in the heated four-man competition and a massive opportunity for the man he was splitting first-team reps with: Joe Flacco.
It's to be determined...as we gather information, we'll have a better view on that.
The quarterback competition was the talk of Berea, and Monday's practice was no exception. Before the injury news broke, Pickett and Flacco were trading blows with the first team. Pickett's day was already uneven, as he threw the first interception of camp into the waiting arms of safety Grant Delpit during 7-on-7 drills. Now, with Pickett on the mend, the door is wide open for "January Joe" to seize control of the offense. The veteran will absorb all the first-team reps, giving him a crucial head start in a race that was supposed to be wide open. The severity and duration of Pickett's absence will be the story to watch.
While the veterans battled, the rookies were also making their presence felt. Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders continued to rotate with the second and third teams, getting their first taste of an NFL camp. However, the biggest rookie storyline remains off the field. GM Andrew Berry addressed the status of unsigned running back Quinshon Judkins, whose recent legal troubles have his Browns career in limbo. Berry offered little clarity, stating the team is still "gathering information" before making a decision. The longer this drags on, the more it feels like the Browns are preparing to move on without their drafted back.
It wasn't all about the quarterbacks. The offense received a boost with the return of star tight end David Njoku, who was back on the field after missing the first day for a personal matter. His presence is a welcome sight for whichever QB is under center. On the other hand, the running back room remains thin, with Jerome Ford still sidelined with a minor injury and the Judkins situation unresolved. This puts more pressure on the remaining backs to perform as the team gears up for its preseason opener against the Carolina Panthers.
The first week of training camp has already delivered major drama. All eyes will now be on Joe Flacco to see if he can solidify his claim as QB1. We'll also be watching the timeline for Pickett's return and whether rookies Dillon Gabriel or Shedeur Sanders can use this opening to make a surprise push. The lingering questions around Quinshon Judkins and the health of the running back room add another layer of intrigue as the Browns prepare to finally hit someone in a different jersey.
