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The Cleveland Browns may have to prepare to play without David Njoku during the early parts of the NFL season.
Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported that the Cleveland tight end is feared to have suffered a high-ankle sprain during the Browns’ 33-17 loss to the Dallas Cowboys and that Njoku will have tests on Monday.
Njoku left the game during the third quarter and did not return. He finished with four catches for 44 yards.
The severity of the issue will be assessed in the tests but losing Njoku for any period leaves Cleveland without a major offensive weapon.
Njoku made 81 catches for 882 yards and six touchdowns in 2024, helping the Browns go 11-6 and reach the postseason despite have four different quarterbacks play in at least five games.
Cleveland hopes Deshaun Watson can have a healthy season and utilize receivers Amari Cooper and Jerry Jeudy effectively in 2024, but Njoku’s presence made his job easier. If he misses significant time, Jordan Akins should see an uptick in playing time.
Cleveland will hope to claim its first victory of the season in Week 2 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Depending on how Monday’s tests go, the Browns may have to do this without Njoku.