Undrafted rookie receiver Gage Larvadain, who caught passes from South Carolina QB LaNorris Sellers, a projected high pick in the 2026 draft, has made his share of plays in the first week of Browns camp. (Cleveland Browns)
Editor’s note: Tony Grossi is a Cleveland Browns and NFL analyst for TheLandOnDemand.com and 850 ESPN Cleveland. He has covered the Browns since 1984.
With Kenny Pickett beginning what could be a multiple-week rehab of a suspected Grade 2 strained hamstring, the other three quarterbacks enjoyed their best practice day collectively.
Coach Kevin Stefanski spread Pickett’s practice reps evenly in the same pecking order of Joe Flacco, Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders. Each had some good reps, and Sanders had more of them.
On the first day with full pads, Stefanski conducted only 11-on-11 periods, preceded by one-on-ones. Flacco worked exclusively with the first team, Gabriel had reps with the first and second teams, and Sanders worked with the second and third teams.
The numbers represented an overall improvement in the offense from the previous four days of camp.
Flacco was 6 of 9 with two sharp throws – a high bullet to big Cedric Tillman on a quick slant and a precise completion to Kaden Davis on a deep route in the middle of the field.
Gabriel shook off two bobbled snaps – one in the shotgun on which he appeared to take his eye off the ball and one under center that might have been the center’s fault – and finished 8 of 12. Gabriel sprinted to the right on one rep and fired a dart to Jerry Jeudy.
Sanders was a perfect 9 of 9 with two touchdowns. Several of his early completions were within five yards of the line of scrimmage.
The first TD was disputed – he might have been sacked in real time. The play continued and Sanders found Gage Lavardain at the goal line as cornerback Cam Mitchell seemingly gave up on the play. The other Sanders TD came on the last play when he lofted the ball on the move to tight end Sal Cannella, who broke free behind the third-team defense.
Pickett update
Prior to practice, Stefanski said Pickett’s injury occurred late in Saturday’s practice. The coach wouldn’t characterize the severity of the injury.
“[Pickett} felt something, so, we’ll just treat it,” Stefanski said. “You know, for any player, you’re disappointed when you can’t be out there with any injury. But he’ll be fine. He’ll rehab, he’ll get back out very quickly.
“I don’t have a timeline [on Pickett’s return]. You know, with something like this, we’ll see how it goes. But his mindset, my mindset, we’ll just go day to day.”
Stefanski said Pickett would be out for the next three days and then he’ll be re-evaluated. If it is a Grade 2 hamstring strain, it means there was a partial tearing of the muscle and Pickett could miss three weeks minimum. If so, he could miss the all-important joint practices against Carolina (August 6) and Philadelphia (August 13-14).
Stefanski downplayed the impact of the injury on the quarterback competition.
“The evaluation on these guys is all-encompassing,” he said. “It goes back through the spring. It goes to what they’ve put on tape already as football players. So, I know he wants to be out there, but he’s still very much involved [in the starting competition.].”
Thud, and done
The first day with full pads did not include tackling to the ground. That might not happen all summer even though Stefanski pledged a more physical camp. Instead, defenders can deliver one hit, or thud, on a ball-carrier.
The loudest thud of the day belonged to rookie linebacker Carson Schwesinger. On an inside handoff to Dylan Sampson, Schwesinger knocked down Sampson with a flick of his right arm. He didn’t even drive his shoulder into Sampson or wrap him up. Just a right arm take-down.
It drew a loud roar of approval from the defense. Schwesinger is going to be heard from in his rookie season.
Brownie bits
Cornerback Denzel Ward has vowed to improve on his interceptions and it’s more than just talk. Every day, Ward works exclusively with cornerbacks coach Brandon Lynch before practice and in between practice periods on ball skills. It’s not uncommon to see Lynch walking behind Ward between periods and tossing up a ball over Ward’s head for him to spot and catch. I asked Lynch if Ward came to him to design a program to improve ball skills or if Lynch suggested it. “It’s a cultural standard,” Lynch said. “Teachers teach and students want to be taught. He’s a young guy that real wants the information. He’s an extremely hard worker. It’s really been a cohesive conversation between us both.” …
Offensive line coach Mike Bloomgren said that his top two reserve tackles are Cornelius Lucas and Jackson Barton. Bloomgren also said that second-year guard Zak Zinter continues to take reps at center to improve his versatility on the game-day roster. “This is a kid that’s had an offseason now,” Bloomgren said of the 2024 third-round draft pick. “You’re seeing the value of that. I think he’s playing at a much higher level than when we first hit the field in April. And that’s exactly what I expected. It’s great to see that he’s had that time, put in the work and he’s getting more comfortable in his techniques.” …
Owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam made their first appearance at camp. They will address the media on Tuesday …
DNPs: Pickett, offensive lineman Teven Jenkins, receiver Michael Woods and cornerback Tony Brown …
Defensive end Myles Garrett and left guard Joel Bitonio did not participate in anything beyond position drills …
Running back Jerome Ford was on the field for the first time, but was limited to position drills …
The Browns signed running back Toa Taua of the Michigan Panthers of the United Football League. Taua, 5-9 and 215 pounds, led the UFL with six rushing touchdowns in seven games in the 2025 spring season.
