Training session has officially begun as theCleveland Brownstried out for the first time before the 2025 season. It marks one of several key milestones the team will achieve during their 46-day journey toward the beginning of the regular season.
Certainly, camp always begins with players wearing only helmets, providing ample opportunity for more in-depth assessment once full pads are introduced next week. However, there was still much to observe on the first day of camp.
Here are the key moments from the day and the latest news from the Browns’ open quarterback competition.
Absences
Several athletes started training camp with specific injury designations that kept them away from practice on the first day, including WR David Bell, who is on the active/non-football injury list, and DT Mike Hall Jr. and QB Deshaun Watson, both of whom are on the active/physically unable to perform list. These were the confirmed absences on Wednesday.
As practice commenced, it didn’t take long to realize that running back Jerome Ford was absent. He is reportedly recovering from a minor injury. Additionally, tight end David Njoku and linebacker Jordan Hicks were also not there, as they were granted time off for personal matters.
Certainly, rookie running back Quinshon Judkins was also absent from the start of training camp, as he remains involved in his continuous legal issues in Florida after being arrested on charges of domestic violence and battery.
Head coach Kevin Stefanski addressed the issue for the first time, and although he typically avoided the topic, he stated that they were not treating the situation lightly.
I would tell you once more, this is something I take very seriously, and we take it just as seriously,” he said. “It’s not something we want to be involved in. We aim to highlight the positive actions our players are taking within this community. That being said, I am aware that the league requires a certain level of education in all areas, especially in this one, and we have chosen to exceed those requirements, and we will keep doing so. If there are additional ways we can engage players in any area of education, we will continue to explore those options.
QB Competition Latest
We are aware of what the public desires, so, yes, there will be a dedicated part in this article each day for updates on the quarterback competition.
The practice began with Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, Dillon Gabriel, and Shedeur Sanders taking turns in some of the initial passing drills. After that, they moved on to 7-on-7 exercises, during which the quarterbacks were divided between separate fields, with the experienced players on one and the newcomers on the other, mirroring the approach the team used earlier in the spring.
11-on-11 plays were conducted in the same manner as during minicamp, with Pickett leading the first team offense, Gabriel directing the second team offense, and Sanders overseeing the third team offense, while Flacco observed. It’s clear at this stage of camp that the 40-year-old still holds a first-round advantage in this competition.
Regarding the outcomes, Pickett had a solid performance, finishing six out of seven passes in total during both 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 drills. Gabriel matched Pickett’s numbers, including a nice touchdown pass. Gabriel’s only completion occurred during 11-on-11s on a throw that was too high for Diontae Johnson.
Sanders, on the other hand, experienced what was clearly his most unpredictable day with the ball. He appeared to have difficulty seeing the field and was delayed on several passes.
Clearly, there is much yet to come in the quarterback competition, so for now, the situation can be referred to as “the same as before.”
Play of the Day
This one is Gabriel’s for today. Who executed a clever play below during his 11-on-11 work with the second team. The rookie kicked to his left as the receivers moved in the same direction, but then stopped and threw back to his right to Gage Larvadain.
Larvadain positioned himself away from the rollout and executed a post corner route to create space for an ideal pass, which he caught and carried the remaining distance for a touchdown. Earlier, Pickett’s throw to Jerry Jeudy in the middle of the field was nearly as good.
Player of the Day
An undrafted rookie wide receiver, Luke Floriea, made an impression on the first day of training, especially during the adjusted 7-on-7 exercises. Partnering with the rookie quarterbacks, Floriea quickly emerged as a go-to option for Gabriel during the drill and showcased several solid receptions.
In a wide receiver room that’s short on experience, Floriea could potentially be in the running for a roster spot if the first day of camp is any indication of what’s to come.
Quote of the Day
Even though Myles Garrett might have had different thoughts about the Browns’ situation back in February when he asked for a trade, his objective is still unchanged as the 2025 season approaches, with Cleveland not being seen as a major contender. This didn’t prevent him from setting high expectations for the team during training camp:
I mean, I anticipate making it to the Super Bowl. That’s our goal each year. I aim to reclaim the Defensive Player of the Year award, so with both of these in mind, I need to be the top player I can be every day, whether we’re in practice or in a game. As soon as I enter the building, I have to be my best self and the most effective leader possible.
What’s Next?
The Browns will have another practice on Thursday. Kevin Stefanski is scheduled to speak with the media approximately 30 minutes prior to the session, after which the team will begin practicing around 4:25 p.m., as before.
Learn More About the Cleveland Browns
This piece was first released onwww.si.com/nfl/browns as Here’s the Outcome from the Initial Practice Session of the Browns’ Training Camp.
