Latest news with #Pickett
Yahoo
18 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Joe Flacco first up in Browns QB rotation during 2nd camp practice, GM Andrew Berry open to keeping 4-man room
The Cleveland Browns entered training camp with four quarterbacks. That's the way they might enter the regular season, too. General manager Andrew Berry was asked Thursday if he thinks there's a pathway to having four quarterbacks on his opening-day roster. "I do," Berry said before ultimately elaborating. "We've largely looked at the last five spots of a roster as more developmental spots, and that can come from any position," the sixth-year Browns GM continued. "I also think with the roster flexibility nowadays, especially with the elevations that you're able to have on the practice squad, there's just more flexibility in terms of how to build your 48-man game-day roster, where it's maybe not quite as restrictive in the past. Now, that being said, when roster rules were more draconian, there have been teams that have carried four. So if there are four that are 53-man-worthy, and we think it makes the most sense for us to keep them, we will." The foursome — made up of veterans Kenny Pickett and Joe Flacco as well as rookies Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders — was back in action for the second day of training camp practice. The 40-year-old Flacco and 27-year-old Pickett continued to split first-team reps, as they did Wednesday, but Flacco led the rotation Thursday. Meanwhile, Pickett threw an interception and fumbled a snap. Thursday's change in quarterback rotation was hinted at by head coach Kevin Stefanski Wednesday. He told reporters not to read into the order this early in camp. It's Week 1 of camp, so things are fluid, but quarterback play is undoubtedly always under the microscope. Here's how they performed in team drills, per ESPN Cleveland: Flacco: 4 for 10, 0 TDs, 0 INTsSanders: 4 for 4, 0 TDs, 0 INTsPickett: 9 for 11, 0 TDs, 1 INTGabriel: 6 for 8, 0 TDs, 0 INTs Flacco leads quarterback rotation, takes all first-team reps to start 11-on-11 like Pickett did during first practice Although he understood the logic, Flacco didn't love when he had to take a backseat during minicamp while the other three significantly younger and less-experienced quarterbacks stacked reps. Flacco was front and center Thursday, though. The one-time Super Bowl champion and now-seasoned-journeyman took all of the Browns' first-team reps to start 11-on-11 action, a day removed from not receiving a single snap in the drill. Here's how it went down, according to ESPN's Daniel Oyefusi: Flacco completed 1-of-3 passes, his lone connection being a short pass to running back Pierre Strong Jr. A pressure from star defensive end Myles Garrett induced one of those incompletions, whereas the other one was an overthrown pass intended for wide receiver Jamari Thrash. After each of those misfires came a handoff, the first to Strong and the next to rookie Dylan Sampson. Pickett ran the second-team offense in 11-on-11. He mishandled his second snap before bouncing back with completions on the next two plays, notably hitting rookie wideout Cade McDonald on a play-action boot. Gabriel was with the twos and threes, and the 5-foot-11 quarterback's final pass found tight end Sal Cannella. Sanders, who ran the third-team offense in 11-on-11 Wednesday, didn't take any 11-on-11 reps Thursday. Browns split fields for 7-on-7 work, with Sanders-Gabriel on one and Pickett-Flacco on the other Split-field work is nothing new for the Browns, who ran "two-spot" practices with simultaneous fields during the offseason. That practice method afforded Cleveland the opportunity to divide the veterans and rookies and allow them to focus on different aspects of the position and the team's offense. Thursday's practice saw a similar partition come about in 7-on-7 drills. Pickett and Flacco were on one field with first-teamers, according to Ashley Bastock, and Sanders and Gabriel were on the other field, taking four reps each. Sanders completed all of his attempts, four short passes, per Oyefusi, who also noted that the only thing preventing Gabriel from mirroring that 7-on-7 stat line was a dropped pass. The highlight of the day was made by the defense, against Pickett. The former Pittsburgh Steelers starter and Philadelphia Eagles backup was picked off by safety Grant Delpit on a play-action pass. In 11-on-11 red zone period, Flacco watches as Pickett, Gabriel and Sanders work with first, second and third-team offenses Flacco didn't take any snaps during the Browns' 11-on-11 red zone period. Pickett rolled with the ones, Gabriel followed with the twos and Sanders capped wrapped things up with the threes. Here's how it went down, according to Oyefusi: Despite hitting wide receiver Jerry Jeudy for a couple short completions, Pickett's string of reps were disrupted by the Browns' defense. Rookie defensive tackle Mason Graham forced a fumble after a handoff. Cornerback Chigozie Anusiem was in coverage for Pickett's end-zone incompletion, a pass that was intended for wide receiver Cedric Tillman and was thrown after some pressure. Gabriel dealt with another drop in this session, as an out-breaking Diontae Johnson couldn't quite reel in the tight-spiraling throw for a touchdown. Gabriel did hook up with Thrash on a crosser, however. Sanders didn't get a pass off in the red-zone drill. A low snap spoiled his first rep. Later, he took a coverage sack.
Yahoo
19 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Joe Flacco first up in Browns QB rotation during 2nd camp practice, GM Andrew Berry open to keeping 4-man room
The Cleveland Browns entered training camp with four quarterbacks. That's the way they might enter the regular season, too. General manager Andrew Berry was asked Thursday if he thinks there's a pathway to having four quarterbacks on his opening-day roster. "I do," Berry said before ultimately elaborating. "We've largely looked at the last five spots of a roster as more developmental spots, and that can come from any position," the sixth-year Browns GM continued. "I also think with the roster flexibility nowadays, especially with the elevations that you're able to have on the practice squad, there's just more flexibility in terms of how to build your 48-man game-day roster, where it's maybe not quite as restrictive in the past. Now, that being said, when roster rules were more draconian, there have been teams that have carried four. So if there are four that are 53-man-worthy, and we think it makes the most sense for us to keep them, we will." The foursome — made up of veterans Kenny Pickett and Joe Flacco as well as rookies Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders — was back in action for the second day of training camp practice. The 40-year-old Flacco and 27-year-old Pickett continued to split first-team reps, as they did Wednesday, but Flacco led the rotation Thursday. Meanwhile, Pickett threw an interception and fumbled a snap. Thursday's change in quarterback rotation was hinted at by head coach Kevin Stefanski Wednesday. He told reporters not to read into the order this early in camp. It's Week 1 of camp, so things are fluid, but quarterback play is undoubtedly always under the microscope. Here's how they performed in team drills, per ESPN Cleveland: Flacco: 4 for 10, 0 TDs, 0 INTsSanders: 4 for 4, 0 TDs, 0 INTsPickett: 9 for 11, 0 TDs, 1 INTGabriel: 6 for 8, 0 TDs, 0 INTs Flacco leads quarterback rotation, takes all first-team reps to start 11-on-11 like Pickett did during first practice Although he understood the logic, Flacco didn't love when he had to take a backseat during minicamp while the other three significantly younger and less-experienced quarterbacks stacked reps. Flacco was front and center Thursday, though. The one-time Super Bowl champion and now-seasoned-journeyman took all of the Browns' first-team reps to start 11-on-11 action, a day removed from not receiving a single snap in the drill. Here's how it went down, according to ESPN's Daniel Oyefusi: Flacco completed 1-of-3 passes, his lone connection being a short pass to running back Pierre Strong Jr. A pressure from star defensive end Myles Garrett induced one of those incompletions, whereas the other one was an overthrown pass intended for wide receiver Jamari Thrash. After each of those misfires came a handoff, the first to Strong and the next to rookie Dylan Sampson. Pickett ran the second-team offense in 11-on-11. He mishandled his second snap before bouncing back with completions on the next two plays, notably hitting rookie wideout Cade McDonald on a play-action boot. Gabriel was with the twos and threes, and the 5-foot-11 quarterback's final pass found tight end Sal Cannella. Sanders, who ran the third-team offense in 11-on-11 Wednesday, didn't take any 11-on-11 reps Thursday. Browns split fields for 7-on-7 work, with Sanders-Gabriel on one and Pickett-Flacco on the other Split-field work is nothing new for the Browns, who ran "two-spot" practices with simultaneous fields during the offseason. That practice method afforded Cleveland the opportunity to divide the veterans and rookies and allow them to focus on different aspects of the position and the team's offense. Thursday's practice saw a similar partition come about in 7-on-7 drills. Pickett and Flacco were on one field with first-teamers, according to Ashley Bastock, and Sanders and Gabriel were on the other field, taking four reps each. Sanders completed all of his attempts, four short passes, per Oyefusi, who also noted that the only thing preventing Gabriel from mirroring that 7-on-7 stat line was a dropped pass. The highlight of the day was made by the defense, against Pickett. The former Pittsburgh Steelers starter and Philadelphia Eagles backup was picked off by safety Grant Delpit on a play-action pass. In 11-on-11 red zone period, Flacco watches as Pickett, Gabriel and Sanders work with first, second and third-team offenses Flacco didn't take any snaps during the Browns' 11-on-11 red zone period. Pickett rolled with the ones, Gabriel followed with the twos and Sanders capped wrapped things up with the threes. Here's how it went down, according to Oyefusi: Despite hitting wide receiver Jerry Jeudy for a couple short completions, Pickett's string of reps were disrupted by the Browns' defense. Rookie defensive tackle Mason Graham forced a fumble after a handoff. Cornerback Chigozie Anusiem was in coverage for Pickett's end-zone incompletion, a pass that was intended for wide receiver Cedric Tillman and was thrown after some pressure. Gabriel dealt with another drop in this session, as an out-breaking Diontae Johnson couldn't quite reel in the tight-spiraling throw for a touchdown. Gabriel did hook up with Thrash on a crosser, however. Sanders didn't get a pass off in the red-zone drill. A low snap spoiled his first rep. Later, he took a coverage sack.
Hamilton Spectator
18-07-2025
- Sport
- Hamilton Spectator
Ottawa Redblacks' linebacker Adarius Pickett back to being his disruptive self
Adarius Pickett is back to being his disruptive self. The veteran linebacker was enjoying a solid first campaign with the Ottawa Redblacks in 2024 before suffering a season-ending Achilles injury. But the 28-year-old has returned with a vengeance, currently standing second in the CFL in defensive plays and tied for fourth in tackles. 'That was the goal going through rehab,' Pickett said. 'I had an amazing team I was working with in Los Angeles and I'm just thankful to everyone who chipped in to helping me get back to where I am right now.' The five-foot-11, 195-pound Pickett had 52 tackles, 14 special-teams tackles, a sack, forced fumble and interception last season before being injured in Ottawa's 37-21 road loss to Hamilton on Sept. 14. The Redblacks entered that game with an 8-3-1 record and battling Montreal for top spot in the East but lost five of their final six regular-season games to finish third. Despite the injury, Pickett was named an East Division all-star. He signed a one-year extension with Ottawa in January, which allowed the former UCLA Bruin to concentrate fully on his recovery. After starting his rehab slowly, Pickett progressed to multiple workouts daily five, sometimes six times per week. Pickett began those days getting up around 4 a.m. and often worked out at UCLA with a group that included DeShaun Foster, a former NFL running back who's now the Bruins' head coach. Pickett performed various drills under the watchful eye of John Johnson Jr., a former UCLA defensive back whose younger brother, Jaylon, is a cornerback with the Chicago Bears. 'I had no doubts when I got to camp because I'd put in so much work (during rehab),' Pickett said. 'My physical therapist Dr. Tim (Esguerra) was the guy I worked with in L.A. and he had answers to every question I had and pushed me every day to where I was confident walking into camp. 'When I got there, it was about working to get into football shape pretty much like everyone else in camp. Getting after it on a daily basis in the off-season and putting my body through many of the things you do during camp, I was better able to enjoy myself and being with my team.' Pickett is in his fifth CFL season and second with Ottawa. Entering this week's action, he has 32 tackles (three for loss), six special-teams tackles and two fumble recoveries. Pickett is second overall in total defensive plays (43) and tied four forth in tackles. The Berkeley, Calif., native was the East Division's top defensive player with Toronto in 2023 (105 tackles, 19 special-teams tackles, six interceptions and forced fumble). 'Adarius's '24 season was cut shot by a serious injury,' said Kenny Kim, of Summit Athletes, Picket's Florida-based agent. 'However, knowing his character, I was very confident he'd aggressively tackle his rehabilitation and be fully prepared for this season. 'As the best at his position, I know Adarius will continue to excel and keep leading his team.' Ottawa (1-5), however, hasn't enjoyed a solid a start to its season. The Redblacks have dropped three straight heading into their home game Sunday night versus Hamilton (3-2). The Ticats defeated Ottawa 23-20 last week. Hamilton won the turnover battle 4-1 and secured the victory on Bo Levi Mitchell's three-yard TD strike to Kenny Lawler with 1:54 remaining. Mitchell's second touchdown pass to Lawler capped a 50-yard, six-play drive that was kept alive by a roughing-the-passer penalty against the Redblacks on a second-down incompletion. Earlier in the quarter, Ottawa appeared to go ahead 27-13 on Kalil Pimpleton's 105-yard punt return but it was negated by an illegal block penalty. Not long after, Hamilton's Mack Bannatyne's recovered Pimpleton's fumbled punt return at the Redblacks 15-yard line. Although the Ticats turned the ball over on downs at the four-yard line with 5:12 remaining, their defence forced Ottawa to punt three plays later which gave Mitchell and Co. an opportunity to mount the game-winning drive. 'We've struggled to play a complete game,' Pickett said. 'Teams are finding a way to get it done against us so we've got to find a way to get it done as well. 'The players in the building believe in the team we have. I believe we'll get this thing turned around … it's really on us to go out there and take what we want.' This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 17, 2025.
Winnipeg Free Press
17-07-2025
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
Ottawa Redblacks' linebacker Adarius Pickett back to being his disruptive self
Adarius Pickett is back to being his disruptive self. The veteran linebacker was enjoying a solid first campaign with the Ottawa Redblacks in 2024 before suffering a season-ending Achilles injury. But the 28-year-old has returned with a vengeance, currently standing second in the CFL in defensive plays and tied for fourth in tackles. 'That was the goal going through rehab,' Pickett said. 'I had an amazing team I was working with in Los Angeles and I'm just thankful to everyone who chipped in to helping me get back to where I am right now.' The five-foot-11, 195-pound Pickett had 52 tackles, 14 special-teams tackles, a sack, forced fumble and interception last season before being injured in Ottawa's 37-21 road loss to Hamilton on Sept. 14. The Redblacks entered that game with an 8-3-1 record and battling Montreal for top spot in the East but lost five of their final six regular-season games to finish third. Despite the injury, Pickett was named an East Division all-star. He signed a one-year extension with Ottawa in January, which allowed the former UCLA Bruin to concentrate fully on his recovery. After starting his rehab slowly, Pickett progressed to multiple workouts daily five, sometimes six times per week. Pickett began those days getting up around 4 a.m. and often worked out at UCLA with a group that included DeShaun Foster, a former NFL running back who's now the Bruins' head coach. Pickett performed various drills under the watchful eye of John Johnson Jr., a former UCLA defensive back whose younger brother, Jaylon, is a cornerback with the Chicago Bears. 'I had no doubts when I got to camp because I'd put in so much work (during rehab),' Pickett said. 'My physical therapist Dr. Tim (Esguerra) was the guy I worked with in L.A. and he had answers to every question I had and pushed me every day to where I was confident walking into camp. 'When I got there, it was about working to get into football shape pretty much like everyone else in camp. Getting after it on a daily basis in the off-season and putting my body through many of the things you do during camp, I was better able to enjoy myself and being with my team.' Pickett is in his fifth CFL season and second with Ottawa. Entering this week's action, he has 32 tackles (three for loss), six special-teams tackles and two fumble recoveries. Pickett is second overall in total defensive plays (43) and tied four forth in tackles. The Berkeley, Calif., native was the East Division's top defensive player with Toronto in 2023 (105 tackles, 19 special-teams tackles, six interceptions and forced fumble). Ottawa (1-5), however, hasn't enjoyed a solid a start to its season. The Redblacks have dropped three straight heading into their home game Sunday night versus Hamilton (3-2). The Ticats defeated Ottawa 23-20 last week. Hamilton won the turnover battle 4-1 and secured the victory on Bo Levi Mitchell's three-yard TD strike to Kenny Lawler with 1:54 remaining. Thursdays Keep up to date on sports with Mike McIntyre's weekly newsletter. Mitchell's second touchdown pass to Lawler capped a 50-yard, six-play drive that was kept alive by a roughing-the-passer penalty against the Redblacks on a second-down incompletion. Earlier in the quarter, Ottawa appeared to go ahead 27-13 on Kalil Pimpleton's 105-yard punt return but it was negated by an illegal block penalty. Not long after, Hamilton's Mack Bannatyne's recovered Pimpleton's fumbled punt return at the Redblacks 15-yard line. Although the Ticats turned the ball over on downs at the four-yard line with 5:12 remaining, their defence forced Ottawa to punt three plays later which gave Mitchell and Co. an opportunity to mount the game-winning drive. 'We've struggled to play a complete game,' Pickett said. 'Teams are finding a way to get it done against us so we've got to find a way to get it done as well. 'The players in the building believe in the team we have. I believe we'll get this thing turned around … it's really on us to go out there and take what we want.' This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 17, 2025.
USA Today
25-06-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Diontae Johnson identifies Kenny Pickett as favorite in Browns QB battle
The Cleveland Browns are hosting a wide-open quarterback competition for the 2025 NFL season. The team's newest wide-out, Diontae Johnson, believes an early favorite emerged in the four-man race during minicamp. "I think they are going to roll with Kenny [Pickett] for right now," Johnson said during an appearance on the "Sports and Suits" podcast. "I've been seeing Kenny going like right now with the ones. Then Joe [Flacco] will come in." The Browns acquired Pickett in an offseason trade with the Philadelphia Eagles, who acquired Dorian Thompson-Robinson and a fifth-round pick in the deal. It marked the second consecutive offseason during which Pickett was traded, as the 2022 first-round pick was dealt from the Pittsburgh Steelers to the Eagles in 2024. Pickett served as the backup behind Jalen Hurts during his lone season in Philadelphia. He played sparingly, winning his lone start while completing 25 of 42 passes for 291 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. Pickett saw action in the Eagles' 40-22 blowout win over the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl 59, failing to complete his only pass and taking a knee three times to seal the victory. NFL DRAFT: Adding NBA's lottery could be quite fun − but it's unlikely for 3 reasons Johnson – who played with Pickett in Pittsburgh – thinks that recent experience with a Super Bowl-winning team could aid the 27-year-old as he looks to establish himself as an NFL starter. "I think they are probably going to roll with him just to see like coming off the season – he was with Philly and having a Super Bowl," Johnson said. "So, I think they are going to stick with him through the preseason. Then, you know, they can live with what Joe comes and brings to the table." Johnson didn't provide much information on where rookie draft picks Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders fall in Cleveland's current pecking order. Generally, the soon-to-be 29-year-old is trying not to focus too much on Cleveland's quarterback battle. Instead, he is simply trying to re-establish himself as a top NFL receiver after he played for three different teams in 2024 and was cut by the Baltimore Ravens after refusing to play in a game because of the cold. "I just want to attack every day one day at a time," Johnson said. "Not try to think too much about what's ahead and just be where my feet are because if I do that, I feel like I'm going to be pressing."
