David Njoku has been listed as questionable for tomorrow’s game against the Ravens after suffering a burn injury at his home. The Browns announced that the tight end sustained “burn injuries to his face and arm during a household accident.”
Per Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com, Njoku was burned while lighting a fire pit in his backyard. Fortunately, it sounds like the player avoided a serious injury, with Cabot noting that Njoku is “okay.”
After finishing last season with a career-high 58 catches for 628 yards and four touchdowns, Njoku has gotten off to a bit of a slow start in 2023. Through three games, the tight end has collected only 10 receptions for 92 yards. As a result, he currently ranks 48th among 68 qualifying tight ends on Pro Football Focus’ positional grades, although he does have a top-three grade for his pass-blocking ability.
Following his career year in 2022, the Browns slapped Njoku with the franchise tag. The former first-round pick ended up signing a long-term deal with the organization, with the Browns giving him a four-year, $56.75MM extension.
If Njoku is sidelined for Week 4, the team would likely roll with a combination of Harrison Bryant and Jordan Akins at the position. Bryant has gotten into all three games for the Browns this season, although he’s been limited to a pair of catches while mostly serving in a blocking role. Akins also has a pair of catches in three games, and the tight end is coming off a career season in Houston where he compiled 495 receiving yards and five touchdowns. The team also announced that they’ve promoted UDFA tight end Zaire Mitchell-Paden from the practice squad.
Elsewhere in Cleveland, the team announced that they’ve promoted quarterback P.J. Walker from the practice squad. The former Panthers QB spent training camp with the Bears before catching on with the Browns practice squad. Deshaun Watson is questionable for tomorrow’s game with a shoulder injury, and rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson would be in line to start if needed.
flash in the pan…
Perhaps attempting to extinguish a dumpster fire?
Too much gas on the fire
The Browns spent so much on Watson that the rest of the roster players can’t even afford to order take out.