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Kenny Pickett focused on positives as he returns from hamstring injury | Team Coverage

Pickett returned to practice in a limited role on Aug. 1 after missing three practices

Aug 02, 2025 at 02:23 PM

Kelsey Russo

Associate Editor & Staff Writer

QB Kenny Pickett has been working around the clock to attack the rehab for his hamstring injury and return to the field.

He has been arriving at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus around 6:30 a.m. for stretching and strengthening work, following by icing. Then, before he steps out on the practice field, he applies heat to the injury and stretches once again. Following any on-field work, he spends more time recovering and strengthening the leg. And when he leaves the for the day, he has equipment at home that allows him to continue his rehab.

That treatment plan has allowed him to progress through the hamstring injury and take necessary steps forward to eventually returning to fully participating in training camp.

"It's coming along," Pickett said. "Just trying to take it a day at a time. It's frustrating not being able to out there competing but trying to do my best to listen to what the doctors and trainers are saying, and trust everything in the process."

Pickett said the hamstring injury occurred towards the end of practice on July 26 on a run play. He did not participate in the following three practices before returning in a limited capacity on Aug. 1 and participated in practice for a second consecutive day on Aug. 2. He did not participate in team drills in either of the two days of practices since he returned.

"He's pushing himself to get back to full team periods as soon as possible," head coach Kevin Stefanski said. "We're also going to be smart and be appropriate with where he is. But I thought he did a nice job yesterday and we'll continue to work that day to day."

While Pickett is not able to take the live reps in team drills, he has found ways to stay involved. He has approached the days as if he was still practicing, so he spends time studying the script for that day's practice. Offensive coordinator Tommy Rees has the offense treating each practice like it is a game plan, so they receive the script the night before, which allows Pickett time to study and prepare.

He also has been taking the mental reps behind Joe Flacco, Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders out on the practice field, and film reps in the meeting room. The 1-on-1 drills at the end of practices have allowed him chances to throw and work in the pocket.

"(The mental reps) are everything for me right now," Pickett said. "That's all I'm able to get. So, trying to learn from what they do, what went well, what didn't go well. So, when I get back out there, I don't make the same mistakes, and I can do the same positives that those guys are doing."

Mobility is one of the traits of Pickett's game, and one that Stefanski highlighted during the first block of practices in training camp. In team drills during those practices, Pickett demonstrated his speed and ability to create plays outside the pocket through the use of his legs.

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Wide receiver Winston Wright (38) during Day 9 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 2, 2025.