According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, the Cleveland Browns are placing running backs Jerome Ford (ankle) and Pierre Strong Jr. (concussion) and tight end David Njoku (knee) on Injured Reserve, ending their season. All three players were previously ruled out for Sunday's game, and this move opens up additional roster spots for the Browns on Saturday. As a result, fantasy managers should expect D'Onta Foreman and John Kelly to see most of the snaps in the backfield on Saturday afternoon against the Baltimore Ravens. Jordan Akins will likely get the start at tight end. Ford opened the season as the starter with Nick Chubb sidelined and reclaimed that role for the past few weeks when Chubb's season ended due to a foot fracture. Njoku also batted injuries throughout the season but began to find his footing over his past five contests, averaging 15.4 PPR points. Foreman and Akins are viable plays in deeper formats this weekend and are high-floor options in DFS.
Jan 3, 2025 1:24 PM EST
Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku (knee) missed practice all week and has officially been ruled out for the Week 18 regular-season finale on Saturday against the division-rival Baltimore Ravens. Njoku will end up missing three of the final four games of the 2024 season and finish with 64 receptions for 505 yards and five touchdowns in 11 starts after making his first Pro Bowl in 2023. While Njoku's numbers were a disappointment after what he did last year, his numbers were still good enough to make him a weekly TE1 in fantasy despite Cleveland's ongoing struggles at the quarterback position. The 28-year-old should remain in the TE1 picture in fantasy heading into next year despite questions about whether Deshaun Watson (Achilles) will even be the starter under center. Jordan Akins will have a bigger role yet again in Week 18 and will be a TE2 sleeper in DFS lineups.
Jan 2, 2025 1:57 PM EST
Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku (knee) is missing his third straight practice of the week on Thursday, which suggests he'll be ruled out again for the Week 18 regular-season finale on Saturday against the division-rival Baltimore Ravens. If Njoku is officially ruled out on Thursday, he will have missed three of the final four games of the season due to injury. The 28-year-old has been a top-10 fantasy TE this year in terms of average half-PPR points per game (7.3) thanks to 64 catches on 97 targets for 505 yards and five touchdowns in his 11 games played. In what is expected to be a blowout loss to the Ravens, backup tight end Jordan Akins could rack up some notable garbage production this weekend if Njoku is inactive. In the Week 17 loss to the Miami Dolphins, Akins had season-highs in catches (six), targets (eight) and receiving yards (49).
Jan 2, 2025 1:28 PM EST
According to Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN, Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku (knee) will not practice again on Wednesday. Njoku was also listed as a non-participant during Tuesday's estimated report. Fantasy managers should keep a close eye on his status during Thursday's practice as he could be in danger of sitting on Saturday. Over his past five contests, Njoku has averaged a strong 15.4 PPR points per game. During this stretch, he has tallied 50.0 yards per game while seeing 10.8 targets per game. If Njoku were to miss his second-straight contest, Jordan Akins would get the starting nod once again. Akins would be viewed as a desperation TE2 and a high-risk play in DFS, as he has only seen more than four targets in one game this season.
Jan 1, 2025 1:42 PM EST
Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku (knee) was listed as a non-participant on the team's estimated practice report on Tuesday. The Browns didn't actually hold a full practice. Njoku injured his knee in the Week 16 loss to the division-rival Cincinnati Bengals and didn't practice at all last week before being ruled out of the Week 17 loss to the Miami Dolphins. The fact that the 28-year-old still isn't able to practice is not a good sign for his availability for the Week 18 regular-season finale on Saturday against the division-rival Baltimore Ravens, although he still has two more days to get back on the field. Still, the Browns have nothing left to play for but pride, so it would not be a surprise to see them hold Njoku out to end the season. Akins set season-highs in catches (six), targets (eight) and receiving yards (49) in the loss to Miami, but he'll be nothing more than a TE2 sleeper in Week 18 if Njoku is out again.
Dec 31, 2024 5:27 PM EST
Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku (knee) has been ruled out ahead of the Week 17 matchup against the Miami Dolphins. This doesn't come as a shock given the fact Njoku has been unable to practice all week. He tweaked his knee last week and appears to still be dealing with the issue. The Browns aren't in the playoff hunt anyway, so they don't have much of an incentive to get Njoku out there. Jordan Akins figures to serve as the primary tight end with Njoku sidelined. Akins has finished with one reception or less in three of his last four games. He's not a recommended streaming option for important fantasy playoff games this weekend.
Dec 27, 2024 2:10 PM EST
Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku (knee) is missing his third practice of the week on Friday. The Browns haven't released their final injury report for Week 17, but it's not looking good for Njoku's chances of playing on Sunday against the Miami Dolphins. The 28-year-old missed the Week 15 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs due to a hamstring injury but returned in last week's loss to the division-rival Cincinnati Bengals and caught eight of his 10 targets for 66 yards from quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson in his first start of the year. If active, Njoku will be on the TE1 radar for fantasy managers, but as of right now, it's not looking good for his availability. If Njoku is ruled out, Jordan Akins would once again have an expanded role on offense, but he'd be one to avoid as a streamer with fantasy championships on the line. Akins had three catches for 30 yards against KC when Njoku was sidelined.
Dec 27, 2024 1:35 PM EST
Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku (knee) was not seen at practice on Thursday during the portion open to the media. Njoku was also listed as a non-participant for Wednesday's practice estimation, putting his status firmly in question for the Week 17 contest against the visiting Miami Dolphins this Sunday. The 28-year-old will most likely have to practice in some fashion on Friday to have a chance of suiting up this weekend. Njoku missed the Week 15 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs due to a hamstring injury but returned in last week's loss to the Cincinnati Bengals and caught eight of 10 targets for 66 yards in quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson's (calf) first start of the year. Njoku will most certainly be on the TE1 radar in Week 17 if he can play. Jordan Akins would see an expanded role if Njoku is ruled out, but he wouldn't be worth streaming in fantasy championship matchups.
Dec 26, 2024 1:19 PM EST
Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku (knee) was listed as a non-participant in Wednesday's estimated practice participation report. Njoku sustained a knee injury in the Week 16 matchup versus the Cincinnati Bengals. He underwent an MRI on Monday and has not been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Miami Dolphins. The results of Monday's MRI have not been released yet. After missing Week 15 with a hamstring injury, Njoku returned last Sunday and caught eight passes for 66 yards in the Week 16 loss to the Bengals. The 28-year-old will have a few more chances to practice this week in order to have a chance to suit up against the Dolphins. If Njoku does get ruled out in Week 17, look for Jordan Akins and Blake Whiteheart to see an uptick in snaps, but neither is an option for fantasy championship week.
Dec 25, 2024 7:49 PM EST
Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski said that tight end David Njoku (knee) is undergoing an MRI exam for a knee injury that he suffered in the Week 16 loss to the division-rival Cincinnati Bengals. Njoku missed the Week 15 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs due to a hamstring injury he suffered the week prior, and now he could be in danger of missing Week 17 against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday, Dec. 29, depending on the results of his MRI. In his return against Cincy on Sunday, the 28-year-old tight end picked up right where he left off in quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson's first start of the year, catching eight of 10 targets for 66 yards in the 24-6 loss. Njoku led the team in targets, catches and receiving yards, so if his knee injury isn't too serious and he's able to play against Miami, he'll be clearly in the TE1 picture in fantasy championships. Jordan Akins isn't worth streaming if Njoku misses time.
Dec 23, 2024 4:12 PM EST
Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku caught eight of his 10 targets for 66 yards in a 24-6 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 16. In Dorian Thompson-Robinson's first start of the season, Njoku emerged as the young signal-caller's favorite target as he led the team in all receiving categories in the loss to Cincy. In even more positive news, Njoku appeared to emerge from the game without any setbacks to the hamstring injury that held him out of a Week 15 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. Even though the quarterback switch from Jameis Winston to DTR is a downgrade for Cleveland's passing game, Njoku's production in Week 16 is encouraging for his fantasy outlook heading into a Week 17 home matchup against the Miami Dolphins.
Dec 22, 2024 9:30 PM EST
Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku (hamstring) is officially active for the Week 16 game on Sunday versus the division-rival Cincinnati Bengals. Njoku injured his hamstring in the Week 14 loss to the division-rival Pittsburgh Steelers and was unable to play in last week's loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. He did not practice on Wednesday and Thursday but returned to a limited showing on Friday and is now returning this weekend. Receiver Cedric Tillman (concussion) remains out for Cleveland, but Njoku isn't going to have the dependable high floor that he had for fantasy managers before his injury with the Browns moving from quarterback Jameis Winston to Dorian Thompson-Robinson in Week 16 and beyond. Also, the 28-year-old tight end could limited to fewer snaps if he's not 100 percent. Consider Njoku more of a shaky low-end TE1 option this weekend in fantasy in his return against Cincy.
Dec 22, 2024 11:36 AM EST
According to Kelsey Russo of the Browns, tight end David Njoku (hamstring) is listed as questionable for Sunday's divisional tilt against the Cincinnati Bengals. Njoku opened the week as a non-participant on Wednesday and Thursday but was spotted earlier at Friday's practice. Fantasy managers should continue to pay close attention to his status over the weekend. Njoku was sidelined last weekend due to this same injury. Over his previous four games, the tight end has averaged an impressive 15.6 PPR points per game with 6.5 receptions and 46.0 yards per game. During this span he found the end zone three times. Even though Dorian Thompson-Robinson will be taking over starting duties, Njoku should still be viewed as a low-end TE1 facing the Bengals who have allowed the most PPR points to opposing tight ends this season.
Dec 20, 2024 2:05 PM EST
According to Kelsey Russo of the Browns, wide receiver Cedric Tillman (concussion) and tight end David Njoku (hamstring) are both listed as questionable for Sunday's match against the Cincinnati Bengals. Tillman was a limited participant throughout practice this week and could be in danger of missing his fourth-straight contest. Tillman has yet to see the field since suffering a concussion during their Week 12 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers. Njoku did not practice on Wednesday and Thursday but was spotted earlier on Friday. Njoku sat out last weekend due to this hamstring injury. Fantasy managers should closely monitor their status ahead of kickoff on Sunday as they both have a favorable matchup against a struggling Cincinnati secondary.
Dec 20, 2024 1:54 PM EST
According to Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN, Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku (hamstring) was seen at Friday's practice. This is a positive sign for his availability heading into the weekend as he was unable to participate at all this week. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to his status on Friday's injury report as he will likely carry an injury designation into the weekend. Njoku was unable to suit up last weekend with this hamstring injury and is in danger of missing his second-straight contest. During Weeks 11 through 14, the veteran tight end averaged a solid 15.6 PPR points per game and found the end zone three times. If Njoku is able to play on Sunday, he should be viewed as a low-end TE1 facing the Cincinnati Bengals who have allowed the most PPR points to the position. He does come with some inherent risk with Dorian Thompson-Robinson taking over starting duties under center.
Dec 20, 2024 1:07 PM EST
Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku (hamstring) was not seen at the portion of Thursday's practice that was open to the media. Njoku injured his hamstring in the Week 14 loss to the division-rival Pittsburgh Steelers and sat out of last week's loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. He has yet to practice since suffering the injury, suggesting he's tracking toward missing a second straight game this weekend against the division-rival Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday. With Njoku out last Sunday, backup Jordan Akins was on the field more but only caught three of four targets for 30 yards. Njoku had become a must-start TE1 in fantasy before his injury due to excellent chemistry with quarterback Jameis Winston. Winston is now benched in favor of Dorian Thompson-Robinson, so if Njoku is able to play this weekend, he'll be a more volatile TE1 option.
Dec 19, 2024 1:21 PM EST
Cleveland Browns running back David Njoku (hamstring) is not expected to take part in the team's first practice of the week on Wednesday. Njoku injured his hamstring in the Week 14 loss to the division-rival Pittsburgh Steelers and did not play in last Sunday's loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. The Browns are hopeful that the 28-year-old tight end can return to play this Sunday against the division-rival Cincinnati Bengals, but a DNP to open the week isn't a great sign. However, Njoku still has two more days to return to practice, which would give him a chance to play this weekend. After slow going early in the year with quarterback Deshaun Watson (Achilles) leading the offense, Njoku's fantasy stock was boosted when Jameis Winston took over. However, Winston was benched in Week 15, and Dorian Thompson-Robinson will start in Week 16. If Njoku returns this weekend, he may not have as much chemistry with DTR.
Dec 18, 2024 12:26 PM EST
Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski said he's "hopeful" that tight end David Njoku (hamstring) can play in Week 16 against the division-rival Cincinnati Bengals. Stefanski said that Njoku is "getting better" after he was forced to sit out of the Week 15 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs after injuring his hamstring the previous week in the loss to the division-rival Pittsburgh Steelers. The 28-year-old's fantasy value had received a boost with quarterback Jameis Winston under center -- he had 16 reception on a whopping 30 targets for 94 yards and three touchdowns in his last two games. However, Winston was benched in the 21-7 loss to the Chiefs on Sunday, so it could be Dorian Thompson-Robinson under center against the Bengals this weekend, which could make Njoku a shakier TE1 option for fantasy managers if he returns to the field.
Dec 16, 2024 1:07 PM EST
Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku (hamstring) wasn't able to do enough during pre-game workouts to convince the coaching staff to play him this weekend and he's been officially ruled out for Sunday's contest against the visiting Kansas City Chiefs in Week 15. The Browns said early this week that it was looking unlikely that Njoku would be able to play after getting injured in the Week 14 loss to the division-rival Pittsburgh Steelers. Despite missing practice all week, though, Njoku wasn't ruled out and was listed as questionable on Friday's final injury report. We now know fantasy managers won't have Njoku this week, and quarterback Jameis Winston will also be without receiver Cedric Tillman (concussion) for a third straight game. Jordan Akins will likely see more action with Njoku out, but receivers Jerry Jeudy and Elijah Moore will most likely benefit the most from a fantasy perspective.
Dec 15, 2024 11:38 AM EST
Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku (hamstring) remains questionable for Sunday's game against the Chiefs. However, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the veteran "will work out pre-game to see if he is able to play." Njoku hasn't been terrible this season, compiling 56 catches for 439 yards. He also has five touchdowns, one away from his career-high. But fantasy managers should have a backup plan in case Njoku can't get out there, although No. 2 tight end Jordan Akins might not be the best choice for a replacement.
Dec 15, 2024 12:06 AM EST
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