Former Steelers QB Kenny Pickett’s hamstring injury, while unfortunate, has forced the Browns to give QB1 reps elsewhere — specifically, to 17-year veteran QB Joe Flacco.
Flacco, who spent 11 years as a Raven, is no stranger to the heated AFC North rivalry — or what it ultimately means to be a starting quarterback in the NFL. The Browns might not have an established pecking order in their four-man starting QB race at training camp, but Flacco is apparently making the most of Pickett’s absence.
“Browns HC Kevin Stefanski confirms that Joe Flacco will get most of the 1st team reps with Kenny Pickett out,” Sports Illustrated’s Spencer German reported on Monday. “But how they distribute them will depend on the drill they’re in and what they’re trying to accomplish.”
Browns HC Kevin Stefanski confirms that Joe Flacco will get most of the 1st team reps with Kenny Pickett out. But how they distribute them will depend on the drill they’re in and what they’re trying to accomplish.
— 𝚂𝚙𝚎𝚗𝚌𝚎𝚛 𝙶𝚎𝚛𝚖𝚊𝚗 (@Spencito_) July 28, 2025
Previously, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Pickett suffered a hamstring injury at the end of practice on Saturday — and the condition will be reevaluated at the end of the week.
This situation is far from ideal for the Steelers’ former 2022 first-rounder, who already had Flacco, Shedeur Sanders, and Dillon Gabriel breathing down his neck in a tight QB positional battle in Cleveland — one that he needs to win if he hopes to face off against Pittsburgh in Week 6.
For up-to-date Steelers coverage, follow us on X @TheSteelersWire and give our Facebook page a like.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Ex-Steelers QB injury leads Browns to give QB1 reps to 17-year veteran
