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Kenny Pickett expected to be available Week 1 | In the Trenches

Head coach Kevin Stefanski provides injury updates on players from preseason Week 3

NewsNotes_8.24.25

The Browns officially closed out their preseason schedule with three wins and turn the focus to the start of the regular season.

Before they take the field for the season opener on Sept. 7 against the Bengals, the Browns will reduce their roster to the initial 53, as well as build out a 16-man practice squad.

"I thought it was a good finish to that preseason as a football team, just to make sure that these guys gave that type of effort. So really pleased," head coach Kevin Stefanski said. "Obviously, now that the cut down starts to come over the next couple days, one of the tough parts of this business is just that. So, we'll work through that over the next 48 hours and then got four good days of work with the team Monday through Thursday. Then take that break over Labor Day before we get started the following week versus Cincinnati. So, a lot of work to be done and we're excited to get to that work."

Here are the main pieces of news heading into the week.

Kenny Pickett expected to be available for Week 1

The Browns could have another healthy quarterback in the room come the first week of the regular season, as QB Kenny Pickett continues to progress from his hamstring injury.

"I think he will be available Week 1," Stefanski said. "But he's getting better every day."

Pickett first sustained the injury on July 26 and did not play in any of the three preseason games. He continued to take steps forward, working his way to participate in individual and 7-on-7 drills. Pickett then participated in some 11-on-11 drills on Aug. 19 for the first time since the injury occurred.

With Pickett expected to be back in the mix, Stefanski said they will continue to work through who will serve as the backup quarterback behind QB Joe Flacco for the first game of the regular season. QB Dillon Gabriel assumed that responsibility in the final preseason game against the Rams, as Pickett did not play.

Browse action photos from the Browns' 2025 Preseason Week 3 game against the Los Angeles Rams, featuring top plays and moments.

Injury Updates

The Browns endured some injuries in the final preseason game against the Rams, which Stefanski provided updates on the status of those players.

C Ethan Pocic, who sustained a knee injury in the first quarter against the Rams, and TE Blake Whiteheart, who also endured a knee injury in the second quarter, could potentially be available for Week 1 of the regular season. Stefanski said they will have a clearer idea of the statuses of their injuries as they evaluate how they respond through the week and the weekend.

DE Julian Okwara is dealing with a ribs injury he suffered in the third quarter against the Rams. Stefanski said they will have more information on his injury in the coming days.

Okwara has made numerous plays throughout camp and the preseason, showcasing his ability to get into the backfield to pressure and sack the quarterback. He recorded two sacks, five tackles, two tackles for loss, three quarterback hits and one pass defensed in his three preseason games.

"He has had a nice camp," Stefanski said of Okwara.

Preparation for Week 1 of the regular season

With the final week of the preseason in the review mirror, and two weeks before the season opener on Sept. 7, the Browns have an opportunity to continue preparing the beginning of the regular season.

They will hold three practices during the upcoming week before the mandatory three-day break over the weekend. However, Stefanski said this week provides an opportunity for the Browns to home in on themselves before they turn their full focus to preparing for the Bengals.

"I do think you want to guard against going too far into the Bengals with your football team until you get later in the week, obviously, because there's that three-day mandatory break," Stefanski said. "So, you don't want to overload your players mentally just yet. So, a lot of what we'll do this week will be about sharpening our scheme, sharpening our fundamentals and techniques, those types of things. And we'll do a good bit of Browns versus Brown, so still a good bit of competitive periods out there at the practice fields."

View photos of Cleveland Browns players arriving at the stadium for their 2025 Preseason Week 3 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams.

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