Cleveland Browns rookie tight end Harold Fannin Jr. (groin) has officially been ruled out for the Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday against the division-rival Cincinnati Bengals, according to Scott Petrak of Browns Zone. Fannin injured his groin on a touchdown reception in last week's upset win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. The 21-year-old was unable to practice all week and will miss the final game of what has been an exceptional first year in the NFL. Despite the presence of David Njoku (knee), who will also miss Week 18, Fannin led the Browns in catches (72), targets (107), receiving yards (731), and touchdowns (six). Fannin has a bright future ahead of him as a pass-catching TE, and he'll be on the TE1 radar in fantasy drafts in the fall. Blake Whiteheart, Brenden Bates, and Sal Cannella will form a TE committee for the Browns in Week 18.
Jan 2, 2026 1:39 PM EST
Cleveland Browns rookie tight end Harold Fannin Jr. (groin) is not practicing on Friday and is unlikely to play in the Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday against the division-rival Cincinnati Bengals, according to Scott Petrak of Browns Zone. David Njoku (knee, personal) is also not expected to play this weekend for the Browns, leaving Blake Whiteheart, Brendan Bates, and Sal Cannella to fight for targets at the tight end position. Surprisingly, Fannin has been a top-five fantasy TE in his first year in the NFL with the Browns despite sharing the field with Njoku for most of the season. The third-rounder out of Bowling Green has a bright future in the NFL and will finish his first year with 72 receptions on 107 targets for 731 yards and six touchdowns in 16 games. Fannin goes into Week 18 leading the Browns in all major receiving categories.
Jan 2, 2026 1:07 PM EST
The Cleveland Browns have high hopes for the long-term trajectory of rookie tight end Harold Fannin Jr., according to Scott Petrak of Browns Zone. "I have all the belief in the world in him, can't wait to see what he does next year," tight ends coach Christian Jones said about Fannin. The 21-year-old third-rounder out of Bowling Green suffered a groin injury in last week's win over the Pittsburgh Steelers and may not play in the Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival Cincinnati Bengals this weekend, but he currently leads the team in catches (72), targets (107), receiving yards (731), and touchdowns (six) in his 16 games played. David Njoku (knee) is also likely to miss the season finale, which would leave the Browns with Blake Whiteheart and Brenden Bates at TE in Week 18. Going into next season, Fannin is going to be a highly sought-after TE1 in fantasy football drafts.
Jan 2, 2026 12:15 PM EST
Cleveland Browns tight end Harold Fannin Jr. (groin) missed his second straight practice on Thursday, per ESPN's Daniel Oyefusi. Fannin Jr. exited early from Cleveland's Week 17 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers after re-aggravating a lingering groin injury. The 21-year-old could be trending towards sitting out the Browns' Week 18 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals. Fannin Jr. has been arguably the most reliable pass-catcher in Cleveland so far this season, recording 72 catches for 731 yards and six touchdowns on 107 targets across 16 games played. Fellow Browns tight end David Njoku (knee) has also yet to practice this week, meaning the team may be without its top two tight ends on Sunday. If both Fannin Jr. and Njoku are inactive, Browns tight ends Blake Whiteheart, Brenden Bates, and Sal Cannella could all see an increase in playing time in Week 18.
Jan 1, 2026 4:07 PM EST
Cleveland Browns tight end Harold Fannin Jr. (groin) is not expected to practice on Wednesday, per Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN. Fannin Jr. was forced to exit early from Cleveland's Week 17 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers after re-aggravating an existing groin injury. The 21-year-old rookie has recorded 72 catches for 731 yards and six touchdowns on 107 targets across 16 games this season. He's displayed growing chemistry with Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders, recording four touchdown catches across six games since Sanders took over as Cleveland's starter in Week 12. Fellow Browns tight end David Njoku (knee) has not played since Week 14 due to a knee injury and will also miss the team's practice on Wednesday, so Cleveland could be shorthanded at the position in Week 18 against the Cincinnati Bengals. If both Fannin Jr. and Njoku are unable to go, the Browns will likely split tight end reps between Blake Whiteheart, Brenden Bates, and Sal Cannella in Week 18.
Dec 31, 2025 1:36 PM EST
Cleveland Browns tight end Harold Fannin Jr. (groin) re-aggravated a pre-existing injury during Sunday's Week 17 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. He exited mid-game and later told Chris Easterling of the Akron Beacon Journal that he will undergo additional testing on Monday. The results of those medical tests should determine Fannin's exact diagnosis and whether he'll be able to play in next weekend's regular-season finale against the Cincinnati Bengals. While it's a relatively meaningless game for both eliminated teams, Fannin noted that he played through the injury to start in Week 17, so it's fair to speculate that he might try to do the same in Week 18. His availability this Sunday, albeit short-lived, was useful for the Browns in their quest to take down Pittsburgh. Fannin maintained a larger role with David Njoku (knee) still sidelined, catching two passes for 30 yards and a touchdown. If active in Week 18, he'll rank as a mid-range TE1 with high-end upside.
Dec 28, 2025 8:42 PM EST
Cleveland Browns rookie tight end Harold Fannin Jr. (groin) was forced to make an early exit from Sunday's game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. He exited the contest with a groin issue and wasn't able to return during Sunday's win, but the good news is that before departing the Week 17 contest, Fannin was able to haul in his sixth touchdown of the year. The rookie tight end is set to undergo an MRI on Monday, at which point we should have a better idea of whether he'll be able to play in the Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, Jan. 4. The Browns could be in trouble at the tight end spot with David Njoku (knee) being sidelined since Week 14. If Fannin sits out next week and Njoku misses another game, Blake Whiteheart and Brenden Bates would likely be asked to step up in Week 18. Fantasy managers will need to check back for the MRI results later on Monday, but the Browns think Fannin aggravated a groin injury he suffered in practice on Friday. The 21-year-old played through a questionable tag going into Sunday's game against Pittsburgh.
Dec 28, 2025 6:11 PM EST
Cleveland Browns tight end Harold Fannin Jr. (groin) has been downgraded from questionable to out for the remainder of his team's Week 17 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers due to a groin injury. The 21-year-old recorded two catches for 30 yards and a touchdown on two targets before exiting the game. Fannin Jr. had established himself as one of the favorite targets of Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders, earning 31 targets over his last three games heading into Week 17. Cleveland entered the week also missing tight end David Njoku (knee), so the team's depth at the position is being tested. Without Fannin Jr. and Njoku, Blake Whiteheart and Brenden Bates will likely handle the team's tight end snaps for the remainder of Week 17. Browns wideouts Jerry Jeudy and Cedric Tillman could both see an uptick in targets for the rest of the game against Pittsburgh.
Dec 28, 2025 2:44 PM EST
The Cleveland Browns said that rookie tight end Harold Fannin Jr. (groin) is questionable to return to Sunday's game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The rookie caught a 28-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Shedeur Sanders earlier in the game to give Cleveland the lead, but departed a short time later. Fannin was originally listed as questionable to play due to a groin injury and appears to have aggravated the injury again in the early stages of Sunday's game. The Bowling Green product has been one of the best rookies in the 2025 draft class, as he leads Cleveland with 70 catches, 701 yards, and five touchdowns.
Dec 28, 2025 1:54 PM EST
Cleveland Browns rookie tight end Harold Fannin Jr. (groin), who was considered questionable to play on Sunday against the division-rival Pittsburgh Steelers, is officially active in Week 17. The 21-year-old didn't have any setbacks with his groin injury in his return to practice on Friday and is ready to go as the Browns try to play spoiler against Pittsburgh in the second-to-last game of the 2025 season. Fellow TE David Njoku (knee) is missing yet another game for Cleveland, too, so Fannin should once again be one of rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders' top targets in the passing game. Fantasy managers might be a little more hesitant to consider Fannin a TE1 due to his injury, but he's expected to be full-go on Sunday in terms of his snap count. In half-PPR scoring this year, Fannin checks in as the TE6 with 70 catches on 105 targets for 701 yards and five touchdowns in 15 games. Start him in Week 17.
Dec 28, 2025 11:38 AM EST
Cleveland Browns tight end Harold Fannin Jr. (groin) is expected to be a "full go" for Sunday's clash with the visiting Pittsburgh Steelers, per ESPN's Adam Schefter. The rookie picked up a groin injury during practice on Friday, causing him to log a limited session ahead of Week 17's home outing. Fortunately, it appears that Fannin will be without limitation, despite garnering a questionable tag. As it stands, he's set for another sizable target share against Pittsburgh, considering teammate David Njoku (knee) will miss a third straight appearance with a pesky knee injury. In addition to a favorable role, the Steelers have been an excellent matchup for fantasy TEs, yielding the third-most points per game to the position (17.11). Fannin leads all Browns' pass-catchers in targets, receptions, yards, and touchdowns.
Dec 28, 2025 1:48 AM EST
According to Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com, Cleveland Browns tight end Harold Fannin Jr. (groin) is expected to play on Sunday despite being listed as questionable. Fannin suffered a groin injury during Friday's practice session but told reporters that he expects to be cleared to face the Steelers. Fantasy managers should continue to closely monitor his status, but it appears the 21-year-old has avoided a major injury. Over the last four weeks, Fannin has taken a significant step forward in his development and has emerged as a weekly TE1 for fantasy. During this four-game stretch, the Bowling Green product has averaged an impressive 17.5 PPR points per game with 9.0 targets per game. With David Njoku (knee) already ruled out, Fannin should see another hefty target share if cleared to suit up.
Dec 26, 2025 4:19 PM EST
Cleveland Browns tight end Harold Fannin Jr. (groin) sustained a groin injury during Friday's practice and is now being listed as questionable for the team's Week 17 matchup with the Steelers. He had been RotoBaller's TE3 for championship weekend, but his status is now up in the air. Fannin had seen a 20+ percent target share in seven of his last nine games, hitting a 30 percent share twice in the previous five, but the groin injury now calls into question how he might be used even if he is able to suit up. This is another tough blow in a week that has already seen Brock Bowers placed on Injured Reserve and George Kittle likely to head into Sunday night as a game-time decision, leaving fantasy titles to be potentially won or lost by some unlikely suspects at the position.
Dec 26, 2025 2:10 PM EST
Cleveland Browns rookie tight end Harold Fannin Jr. has been one of the few bright spots for the Browns' offense this season. The 21-year-old rookie has taken the league by storm with 70 receptions for 701 yards with five touchdowns on 105 targets. Fannin has recently taken his game up a notch during the most important part of the fantasy football season. Over the last four weeks, Fannin has been a TE1 and has finished as a Top-2 tight end twice in PPR leagues. During that stretch, he has commanded 36 targets and found the end zone three times. There has yet to be an offensive rookie to take a firm grip on the 2025 Offensive Rookie of the Year race. If Fannin continues to put up big numbers over his last two games, he could set himself up to become the second-ever tight end to win the award.
Dec 24, 2025 11:07 PM EST
Cleveland Browns tight end Harold Fannin Jr. has strengthened his status as a must-add player on the fantasy football waiver wire in Week 17. The rookie enjoyed another dominant performance against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday, catching four passes for 34 yards and a touchdown. He handled an 86% target share in the loss, largely due to the continued absence of fellow tight end David Njoku (knee). Fannin now has 22 catches, 239 yards, and three touchdowns over his last four games, ranking as the overall TE3 in fantasy football during that span. His upside depends on whether Njoku is in the lineup, but even if the veteran tight end returns to action this week, Fannin should remain a top-five fantasy tight end while operating as Shedeur Sanders' favorite target. He'll now be tasked with facing off against the Pittsburgh Steelers, who have allowed the fourth-most fantasy points, fourth-most catches, fourth-most receiving yards, and second-most receptions to opposing tight ends in 2025. Fannin is a priority addition who should be rostered and started in all leagues.
Dec 22, 2025 8:56 PM EST
Cleveland Browns rookie tight end Harold Fannin Jr. hauled in four of his six targets for 34 yards and scored two total touchdowns during Sunday's Week 16 loss against the Buffalo Bills. Fannin Jr. set a franchise record for most receptions by a rookie in a season and, for the third straight week, he led the team in receptions and targets. The Browns offense continued to manufacture touches for Fannin Jr., as evidenced by his rushing touchdown after lining up as a fullback and receiving an inside handoff. Fannin Jr. has a great matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers' defense in Week 17, which has allowed the second-most points to tight ends this season. With tight end David Njoku (knee) still on the mend and rookie running back Quinshon Judkins (knee, leg) suffering a serious injury in Week 16, Fannin Jr. is postured to remain a focal point in an offense that is looking for ways to get him the ball.
Dec 21, 2025 4:36 PM EST
Cleveland Browns tight end Harold Fannin Jr. is having a terrific rookie season and will look to build on that momentum during Sunday's Week 16 contest against the Buffalo Bills. The 21-year-old is the overall TE8 in full-PPR leagues so far with 66 catches, 667 yards, and four touchdowns. He will remain atop the depth chart for the third week in a row with fellow tight end David Njoku (knee) sidelined. In his last two games without Njoku, Fannin has exploded for a combined 15 catches, 162 yards, and one touchdown. Last week alone, he led all NFL tight ends in air yards (93), suggesting that his ceiling is incredibly high. He'll aim to tap into that upside on Sunday afternoon, as he continues to rank as a mid-range TE1 in most full-PPR formats. He remains a must-start in leagues despite facing the Bills, who have allowed the fewest fantasy points to tight ends in 2025.
Dec 21, 2025 9:11 AM EST
When asked about tight end Harold Fannin Jr.'s involvement in the game plan during the team's 31-3 loss to the Bears, Cleveland Browns offensive coordinator Tommy Rees gave the rookie a vote of confidence. "The Harold Fannin well is a good one to go to," Rees replied when asked about the 21-year-old's spike in targets. In fact, Fannin accounted for a whopping 40% of quarterback Shedeur Sanders' looks in their Week 15 defeat and has commanded at least 11 in consecutive contests. The third-round pick of April's draft has been on the field for at least 90% of Cleveland's offensive snaps across the past four weeks, and is on the rise with an elevated opportunity share since teammate David Njoku (knee) went down with injury.
Dec 18, 2025 12:15 PM EST
Across 14 games this season, Cleveland Browns rookie tight end Harold Fannin Jr. has recorded 66 catches for 667 yards and four touchdowns on 99 targets. While the 21-year-old has played an important role in his team's offense all season long, he's seen his usage ramped up to a new level in recent weeks. Over his last two games, Fannin Jr. has hauled in 15 catches for 162 yards and a touchdown on a whopping 25 targets. Fannin Jr. has played at least 90% of Cleveland's offensive snaps in four straight games, including a season-high 96% in Week 15 with fellow Browns tight end David Njoku (knee) sidelined by a knee injury. Even if Njoku returns for the team's Week 16 matchup against the Buffalo Bills, Fannin Jr. should have a path to production. Across four games since Shedeur Sanders has taken over as the starting quarterback in Cleveland, he's targeted Fannin Jr. on 29.5% of his pass attempts. Fannin Jr. profiles as a must-start fantasy tight end down the stretch of the season.
Dec 16, 2025 9:20 PM EST
Cleveland Browns rookie tight end Harold Fannin Jr. hauled in seven of his 14 targets for 48 yards during Sunday's 31-3 loss to the Chicago Bears. For the second straight week, Fannin led the team in receptions and targets, and he had one carry for two yards. The Cleveland offense struggled to gain its footing in Chicago, but the dependable rookie tight end continues to provide fantasy managers with a safe PPR floor. Fannin has a tough matchup against the Buffalo Bills' defense in Week 16, which has allowed the fewest points to tight ends this season. However, with David Njoku (knee) still dealing with an injury, Fannin is postured to remain a focal point and an offense that is engineering touches for him.
Dec 14, 2025 7:50 PM EST
Copyright 2025 Fantasy Football Calculator | Image Source: Icon Sportswire. Not affiliated with the National Football League (NFL).
Stats powered by FantasyData.com.
