The quarterback competition for the Cleveland Browns has heated up in recent weeks with 2025 third-round draft pick Dillon Gabriel emerging as the latest leader in practice snaps. The former Oregon signal-caller and reigning Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year should have a path to even more snaps following a recent report on Kenny Pickett’s health.
Pickett, who has been viewed as a strong contender for the Browns’ QB1 job for much of the summer, suffered a hamstring injury near the end of Cleveland’s latest practice. ESPN insider Adam Schefter reported on Pickett’s unfortunate injury.
“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,” Schefter tweeted. “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.”
Gabriel’s path to Cleveland’s starting gig has never looked clearer, but veteran Joe Flacco and enigmatic rookie Shedeur Sanders will have heightened opportunities as well.
Despite Sanders’ pre-draft hype and growing popularity in the Cleveland community, the ex-Colorado football star could be closer to getting released than stealing the QB1 job. The Browns own the most crowded quarterback room in the NFL, and they will likely need to cut at least one of their signal-callers before the season starts in September.
Thankfully for Sanders, Pickett’s injury could give the Buffaloes legend a lifeline with more short-term practice snaps at his disposal. Cleveland’s quarterback battle could become as intense as it has all summer with more opportunities available for Gabriel, Sanders, and Flacco.
Even more eyes will be glued to Berea in the coming weeks.