1. Introduction
Kenny Pickett, a first-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, now finds himself in the midst of a crucial 2025 training-camp hamstring injury, and a fierce quarterback (QB) competition with the Cleveland Browns. This article explores his draft pedigree, NFL career progression, current health status, and what lies ahead, offering fans and analysts a clear, fact-based update.
2. Kenny Pickett: 2022 NFL Draft Profile
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Drafted: 20th overall by the Pittsburgh Steelers in April 2022
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College: University of Pittsburgh – dominant senior season (4,319 yards, 42 TDs, 7 INTs) and Heisman finalistPittsburgh Steelers+15NFL.com+15CBSSports.com+15YouTube+9Dawgs By Nature+9New York Post+9NFL.comYouTube+5Yahoo Sports+5New York Post+5
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First Pitt QB drafted in the first round since Dan Marino (1983), and the most recent first‑round QB taken as late as No. 20 in 25 years CBSSports.com+1NFL.com+1.
The Steelers selected him notably as a local hero, hoping he’d be a franchise quarterback for the post-Roethlisberger eraSIPittsburgh Steelers.
3. Steelers Tenure (2022–2023): Development & Injuries
Rookie Year (2022)
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Pickett entered the season as QB3 behind Trubisky and Rudolph, but was promoted to starter in Week 4 Draft Sharks+15Wikipedia+15Dawgs By Nature+15.
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His debut: 10/13 for 120 yards, plus 2 rushing TDs; ended with 3 interceptions.
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First start vs. Buffalo: 34 of 51 passing, 327 yards, 1 INT.
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Mid‑season: Suffered two concussions (vs. Buccaneers and Ravens), missing Week 15 after second; returned to lead late-season comeback wins Wikipedia.
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Ended rookie season with ~2,404 passing yards, 7 passing TDs, 9 INTs, and 3 rushing TDs in 13 games Wikipedia.
2023 Season and Departure
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Pickett started 12 games in 2023.
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In April 2024, Steelers traded him to Eagles when acquiring quarterback Russell Wilson and later to Cleveland for future picks and QB Dorian Thompson‑Robinson Pittsburgh Steelers+15Behind the Steel Curtain+15New York Post+15.
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Trade packaged: Steelers received 3rd-round (2024) and two 7th-round (2025) picks; Eagles got Pickett and a 4th-round pick Behind the Steel Curtain.
4. March 2025 Trade to the Browns
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Trade motion: After a season backing up Wilson in Philadelphia, Pickett was moved again in March 2025—this time to the Cleveland Browns—as the team reshaped its quarterback room Behind the Steel CurtainESPN.comWikipedia.
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The Browns acquired Pickett via trade from Eagles, while the Steelers leveraged his departure to obtain draft capitalReutersBehind the Steel Curtain.
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With Deshaun Watson sidelined due to rehabilitation from Achilles surgery, the Browns’ QB room was set: Joe Flacco, Dillon Gabriel, Shedeur Sanders (2025 5th-round pick), and Pickett competing for starting role The Sun+7Reuters+7CBSSports.com+7.
5. 2025 Training Camp & Current Injury Report 🎯
🩺 Injury Details
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Injury: Minor to moderate hamstring strain, sustained late in a red‑zone 11‑on‑11 drill during Saturday, July 26, 2025 practice Yahoo Sports+6ESPN.com+6The Sun+6.
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Reported as “mild,” allowing him to finish practice, but requiring reevaluation later in the week Draft Sharks+12NFL.com+12ESPN.com+12.
🕒 Expected Timeline
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Cleveland coaches have labeled Pickett’s status as day‑to‑day, with no rigid return date set yet; may miss a few days ESPN.com+5NFL.com+5New York Post+5.
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Head Coach Kevin Stefanski emphasized that Pickett remains “very much involved” in the competition, rehabbing “very quickly” Reuters+2NFL.com+2New York Post+2.
🏈 Impact on Browns QB Competition
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With Pickett missing practice reps, veteran Joe Flacco is ramping up first-team snaps, supported by impressive rookie performances from Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders Pittsburgh Steelers+10CBSSports.com+10Talksport+10.
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Sanders has reportedly had a 72.7% completion rate in training drills—boosted opportunity due to Pickett’s absenceTalksport.
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The competition has shifted into a three-way race in Pickett’s temporary absence ReutersDawgs By NatureTalksport.
6. Analysis: How the Injury Affects His Standing
✅ Short-Term Effects
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Missing even a few practices curbs first-team visibility, giving Flacco more runway to solidify the lead.
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It opens the door for rookies like Gabriel and Sanders to impress offensive coaches in Pickett’s stead.
⚠️ Long-Term Ramifications
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Pickett is already on a one-year deal, with no fifth-year option—performance this preseason is critical for Browns or other teams evaluating him.
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A pattern of injuries—or time missed—might further undermine his perception as reliable starter material.
🆚 Competition Outlook
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If Flacco continues with strong reps, he may lock in Week 1 starter duties.
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Gabriel brings decision-making upside; Sanders offers youth and momentum.
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Pickett will need to show not just health, but efficiency and leadership to reclaim momentum.
7. What’s Next? Timeline & Outlook
| Timeline | Status | Implication |
|---|---|---|
| Next 2–3 Days | Re-evaluation and targeted rehab | Early indicator whether Pickett misses more than practice reps |
| Early August (first preseason game) | Observe whether he regains first-team reps | Performance under game conditions could shift depth chart |
| Final Preseason Week | Coaches’ public evaluation & snap counts | Transparent insight into Starter order |
| Roster Cutdown to 53 | Compare quarterbacks and make final decision | Pickett’s spot may depend on overall preseason body of work |
Given the Browns’ need for a healthy starter, even a minor tweak could tilt the job away—especially if his replacements perform well in Pickett’s absence.
8. FAQs
What type of injury does Kenny Pickett have?
He has a hamstring strain, described as mild enough to finish practice but serious enough to prompt reevaluation within the week ReutersWikipedia+1The Sun+1.
Will Pickett miss the season opener?
No. The injury is expected to sideline him only for a few practices, not the regular season opener (Sept 7). However, his absence could affect his starting status.
How does this injury impact his chances in the QB competition?
This day-to‑day issue allows veterans and rookies to gain traction. Coaches may lean toward who gains momentum in reps. Pickett must return quickly and perform well to regain ground.
What was Pickett’s draft pick and history?
He was the 20th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers after a standout career at Pitt; first Pitt QB taken in Round 1 since Dan Marino, and latest first-round QB since 1997 selected as late as No. 20Wikipedia+5NFL.com+5CBSSports.com+5.
9. Conclusion
Kenny Pickett’s hamstring injury presents a pivotal moment in his career trajectory. A day-to‑day setback at this crucial juncture has opened the door for teammates and competitors, making every upcoming practice and preseason snap vital.
Despite the setback, his draft pedigree and early NFL experience offer a foundation to recover—but only if he can return healthy, lead effectively, and make plays. The Browns’ coaching decisions from here will likely determine Pickett’s place in the NFL hierarchy.
