Kenny Pickett has fallen behind in the Cleveland Browns‘ quarterback controversy due to a hamstring injury, but he is confident in his return to the practice and game fields soon.
The quarterback shared an encouraging message about his health and potential return after he has been sidelined with the leg injury.
Pickett, of course, is locked into a four-player battle for the Browns’ starting QB position, though he has been listed as the No. 2 option behind 40-year-old Joe Flacco on the team’s initial depth chart.
What’s more, Pickett is also likely competing for his roster spot in Cleveland, since the Browns drafted two quarterbacks, Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel, in May. Still, Pickett can’t play if he is injured.
What Did Kenny Pickett Say About His Hamstring?
Pickett has been out for two-plus weeks with the hamstring strain, which is why he did not suit up in Cleveland’s first preseason game against the Carolina Panthers last Saturday.
But even though Pickett will not play against the Philadelphia Eagles in Cleveland’s second exhibition game — and neither rookies Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders will likely to be available due to injuries — he shared a promising update on his status.
“I feel like I’m turning a corner a little bit this week, which is really positive,” Pickett said. “I was able to run a little more [Wednesday], so I’m getting there. Just taking it a day at a time.”
But he has not participated in any offense vs defense drills and has only been able to practice in 7-on-7 drills. But he’s still making the most of those reps.
“Obviously it’s extremely frustrating that I’ve only been able to get 7-on-7 [reps] lately but just trying to take advantage of those as much as I can,” Pickett said.
The Browns acquired Pickett from the Eagles for a fifth-round pick after he was Jalen Hurts’ backup for their Super Bowl run a season ago. The first-round pick of the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2022 has thrown for 4,765 yards and a 15-14 touchdown-to-interception rate in three NFL seasons.
When Will Kenny Pickett Be Back On The Field?
Hard as it seems to believe, the Browns only have one more preseason game after this weekend against the Eagles — at home against the Los Angeles Rams on Aug. 23 — before Kevin Stefanski and Co. set their roster for the season opener against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Still, Pickett could not confirm he would even be able to be a full participant in any practices next week, even though his roster spot may be on the line.
“I can’t say that yet,” Pickett said. “It’ll be close.”
That the Browns are injured most at quarterback is a trip to outside observers. But Pickett is more focused on trying to get back on the field.
“It’s a wild game,” Pickett said. “I’ve got my own problems to worry about. I’m just focused on my recovery.”
Still, when asked whether he is still being considered for the No. 1 position, Pickett said he is worried about trying to control what he can.
“I think we’re all going a day at a time,” Pickett said. “I’m just trying to put my best foot forward in the reps that I do get right now.”
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