With the preseason over and exactly two weeks from the season opener vs. the Cincinnati Bengals, the Cleveland Browns have officially turned the page to game week. Kevin Stefanski spoke with the media on Sunday afternoon and provided a few updates on injuries.
#Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said C Ethan Pocic (knee) and TE Blake Whiteheart (knee) will potentially be available for Week 1
— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) August 24, 2025
There were no details, but Stefanski did note that starting center Ethan Pocic and backup tight end Blake Whiteheart could “potentially” be available for Week 1. Whiteheart will be a reserve player and won’t have a significant impact, but Pocic is slated to be the starting center and would be a step in the wrong direction for this offensive line that is trying to rebound from a poor 2024 season.
#Browns Stefanski said he expects Kenny Pickett (hamstring) to be available for Week 1. He’s still working through who will be the backup to Joe Flacco.
— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) August 24, 2025
Stefanski also shared that he believes Kenny Pickett will be available for Week 1 after not playing in the preseason with a hamstring issue, but isn’t ready to name a No. 2 quarterback behind Joe Flacco, who was named the starter last week. Fans will quickly overthink the depth chart once released, but it’s highly likely that Picket will remain No. 2 with Dillon Gabriel at 3 and Shedeur Sanders at 4.
At this point, there is no reason to dive any deeper than Joe Flacco being the starter for Week 1. If an injury were to happen in Week 1, it still makes sense for a guy with starting NFL experience to take over. The quarterback depth chart will remain fluid and consistently talked about all season in Cleveland.