- David Njoku
- #85
- Team CLE
- Pos TE
- Status AActive
- Owner FA
-
Gets fifth-year option
The Browns are exercising their fifth-year option on Njoku, who was a first-round pick in 2017, Mary Kay Cabot of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.
Analysis: GM Andrew Berry suggested in February that this would likely be the decision, but it no longer seemed like a sure thing after the Browns signed Austin Hooper and drafted Harrison Bryant in the fourth round. A fifth-year option is guaranteed for injury only, so this doesn't actually ensure Njoku will be under contract beyond 2020. While trade rumors figure to persist, Scott Petrak of the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram relays that Berry has been adamant about Njoku being part of the big-picture plan…read more
Published: Mon, Apr 27 at 8:46am by Rotowire.com
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Status unchanged
Njoku is still viewed as part of the Browns' plans following the NFL Draft, Marla Ridnour of the Akron Beacon Journal reports.
Analysis: The Browns are expected to involve their tight ends more this season under new head coach Kevin Stefanski, which suggests Njoku should be safe. However, they added Austin Hooper in free agency and then drafted Florida Atlantic tight end Harrison Bryant in the fourth round (115th overall) in the draft. That creates a whiff of uncertainty regarding Njoku's role in 2020 and long-term standing with the organization. "David has always been and continues to be in our plans," said general manager…read more
Published: Mon, Apr 27 at 4:49am by Rotowire.com
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No trade imminent
Despite signing Austin Hooper, the Browns aren't expected to trade Njoku this offseason, ESPN.com's Jake Trotter reports.
Analysis: Hooper's presence will make it harder for Njoku to draw targets and establish fantasy value, but the young tight end should nonetheless have an important role under new coach Kevin Stefanski, who frequently utilized multi-TE formations while serving as offensive coordinator in Minnesota last year. It's also worth noting that the Browns don't have an established No. 3 wide receiver, though they did trade for fullback Andy Janovich (elbow) a couple weeks ago. The team has until early May to make…read more
Published: Thu, Apr 2 at 7:29am by Rotowire.com
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Could have option picked up
General manager Andrew Berry suggested Tuesday that the Browns are likely to pick up Njoku's fifth-year contract option for 2021 this spring, Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon-Journal reports.
Analysis: It wouldn't actually be much of a commitment, as Njoku's draft position (29th overall) and football position (tight end) both serve to limit the cost of the fifth-year option, which is guaranteed for injury only. Berry said he envisions Njoku as part of the Browns' future, a sentiment echoed by new head coach Kevin Stefanski. It's no secret Njoku clashed with former coach Freddie Kitchens, failing to regain a significant role after he was out for two months with a broken wrist in 2019. The…read more
Published: Wed, Feb 26 at 9:47am by Rotowire.com
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Has renewed life with Cleveland
Njoku's chances of remaining with the Browns in 2020 improved after the organization parted ways with head coach Freddie Kitchens following the Week 17 loss to the Bengals, Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal reports.
Analysis: The tight end admitted he had "a couple differences" with Kitchens, who made Njoku a healthy inactive for Weeks 15 and 16 before the 23-year-old played just four of the Browns' 54 offensive snaps in the season finale. Njoku also missed 10 games with a wrist issue earlier in the season before being designated to return from injured reserve. When Njoku eventually returned to action Week 14 against the Bengals, he had a ball taken away from him on a play that was ruled as an interception. That…read more
Published: Wed, Jan 1 at 11:08am by Rotowire.com
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Limited playing time
Njoku played four offensive snaps in Sunday's 33-23 loss to the Bengals in Week 17.
Analysis: Njoku was back on the active roster after being a healthy inactive the previous two weeks, but (now former) head coach Freddie Kitchens limited his exposure. With Kitchens no longer around, perhaps there is a path for Njoku to reclaim the starting tight end job. Cleveland never had a reliable third receiving option in 2019 beyond Jarvis Landry and Odell Beckham, so Njoku could fill a need in 2020. The 23-year-old tight end has one year left on the four-year deal he signed after the Browns…read more
Published: Mon, Dec 30 at 4:34pm by Rotowire.com
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Back from doghouse
Njoku is listed as active Week 17 against Cincinnati.
Analysis: Njoku is undoubtedly disappointed in how this season ended, as he rehabbed from a wrist injury for 11 weeks only to make a limited return Week 14 and end up a healthy scratch for the two games after that. He'll get a chance to end his season on a high note in the finale, though Njoku will be part of a position group that includes Demetrius Harris and Ricky Seals-Jones, the latter which overcame an illness to suit up this week.
Published: Sun, Dec 29 at 8:39am by Rotowire.com
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No word on Week 17 status
Cleveland head coach Freddie Kitchens was non-committal about Njoku's status for Week 17 against the Bengals, Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal reports.
Analysis: Kitchens, who benched Njoku for each of the previous two games, responded in coach-speak when asked about the tight end's status for the season finale Sunday at 1:00 PM. "We're going to play the people I think gives us the best chance to win each week," Kitchens said. "Depending on what that is, we'll see how it goes Sunday." If Njoku doesn't dress, Demetrius Harris is expected to be the team's lead tight end.
Published: Sat, Dec 28 at 6:24am by Rotowire.com
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Scratched yet again
Njoku is on the inactive list for the second consecutive week in advance of Sunday's matchup against Baltimore.
Analysis: Njoku will wind up a healthy scratch after not appearing on the injury report, giving way to Demetrius Harris at tight end in his stead. He logged 21 snaps in his return from the IR in Week 14, but he has now sat in back-to-back weeks. It's unclear what role, if any, Njoku will have when the Browns head to Cincinnati to finish the regular season next week.
Published: Sun, Dec 22 at 8:37am by Rotowire.com
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Responding well to scratch
Browns offensive coordinator Todd Monken said that Njoku has "responded well" after being a healthy scratch Week 15, Marla Ridenour of the Akron Beacon Journal reports.
Analysis: Both Monken and head coach Freddie Kitchens acknowledged Njoku's improved attitude, but neither coach discussed the tight end's status for Sunday's home meeting with the 12-2 Ravens. Njoku had a promising start to the season with a touchdown, four catches and six targets in the season opener before sustaining a Week 2 injury that forced him to miss 11 games.
Published: Fri, Dec 20 at 4:48am by Rotowire.com
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Inactive Sunday
Njoku (coach's decision) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Cardinals.
Analysis: Per Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal, Njoku's deactivation Sunday is a coach's decision. In his absence, Demetrius Harris is slated to start at tight end for the Browns in Week 15.
Published: Sun, Dec 15 at 11:43am by Rotowire.com
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Returns to full practice
Njoku (knee) returned to a full practice Thursday, Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal reports.
Analysis: Njoku is thus on track to play Sunday against the Cardinals. The tight end didn't make much of a mark (one catch for four yards) in his return to action from a wrist injury in Week 14, but he's at least in a decent position to bounce back this weekend, given Arizona's struggles containing tight ends this season.
Published: Thu, Dec 12 at 1:58pm by Rotowire.com
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Limited by knee issue
Njoku was limited at practice Wednesday due to a knee issue, Mary Kay Cabot of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.
Analysis: In his return to action from a wrist injury in the Week 14 win over the Bengals, Njoku played 20 out of the Browns' 54 offensive snaps, catching one of his three targets for a four-yard gain. Now the tight end is contending with a new injury, but at this stage it's unknown whether he's dealing with something minor or managing an issue that cropped up at practice Wednesday.
Published: Wed, Dec 11 at 2:25pm by Rotowire.com
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Light impact in return
Njoku caught one of three targets for four yards in Sunday's 27-19 win over the Bengals.
Analysis: The tight end returned from the injured reserve list Sunday, playing for the first time since Week 2. The rust showed on the Browns' first series when a pass he appeared to catch was wrestled away from him and ruled an interception by Cincinnati linebacker Nick Vigil. He also allowed a sack in pass protection, getting beaten by defensive end Carl Larson. Njoku received the most targets of Cleveland's tight ends, including a red-zone target in the third quarter, while playing 21 snaps, second…read more
Published: Mon, Dec 9 at 3:32am by Rotowire.com
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Draws start in return
Njoku will start at tight end for the Browns in their Week 14 matchup against the Bengals.
Analysis: Njoku has seen just 76 total snaps this season, as he's been sidelined since Week 2 against the Jets due to a broken wrist. The third-year player was activated from IR on Saturday, however, and Cleveland will waste no time getting him back into action. Njoku has favorable fantasy matchups both this week and next, but it's unclear if there will be any rust to shake off after this much time on the sidelines. Working in his favor against the Bengals is the fact that fellow tight end Demetrius…read more
Published: Sun, Dec 8 at 8:45am by Rotowire.com
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Activated off injured reserve
Njoku (wrist) was activated from injured reserve Saturday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
Analysis: Njoku's return from injured reserve couldn't have come at a better time, as the Browns face both the Bengals and Cardinals --- the latter of which could go down as one of the historically worst teams at covering tight ends --- in consecutive weeks. The 23-year-old isn't expected to be limited either, as Njoku was reportedly doing well in terms of conditioning weeks before Saturday's roster decision. It's pretty clear the third-year pro will immediately jump to the top of the depth chart, with…read more
Published: Sat, Dec 7 at 9:51am by Rotowire.com
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In line to play Week 14
Njoku (wrist) said he expects to be activated from injured reserve ahead of Sunday's game against the Bengals, Jake Trotter of ESPN.com reports. "[The coaching staff] told me, that's the plan," Njoku said after Friday's practice.
Analysis: Though he noted earlier Friday that Njoku was "healthy and ready to go" after missing the Browns' past 10 games, coach Freddie Kitchens was unwilling to commit to the tight end suiting up this weekend. Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reported shortly thereafter that the Browns do intend to bring Njoku back from IR, and the 23-year-old's own comments seem to support that. Because Njoku isn't returning from any sort of lower-body injury that would normally result in a player being eased back into…read more
Published: Fri, Dec 6 at 10:22am by Rotowire.com
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Could be active Sunday
Coach Freddie Kitchens said Friday that Njoku (wrist) is "healthy and ready to go," but the Browns haven't decided whether to activate him from injured reserve ahead of this weekend's game against the Bengals, Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal reports.
Analysis: A final decision on Njoku's Week 14 status should come before Saturday at 4 p.m. ET, the deadline for teams to activate players designated to return from injured reserve ahead of Sunday games. Njoku has been taking full contact since he resumed practicing Nov. 20, but the Browns would have the luxury of waiting until Dec. 11 to activate him if they don't feel he's quite ready to play against Cincinnati. Whenever he's reinstated, Njoku will likely take over as the team's clear No. 1 tight end,…read more
Published: Fri, Dec 6 at 9:55am by Rotowire.com
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Making progress
Coach Freddie Kitchens said Wednesday that Njoku (wrist) is "getting closer" to rejoining the active roster, Andrew Gribble of the Browns' official site reports.
Analysis: Njoku would be eligible to play Sunday against the Bengals if activated from injured reserve, but the Browns have until Dec. 11 to make a decision on his reinstatement. The Browns will presumably observe Njoku in practices Wednesday through Friday before deciding as late as Saturday whether he's fit to play in Week 14. If Njoku remains out this weekend, Demetrius Harris (shoulder) and Ricky Seals-Jones would handle the bulk of the snaps at tight end.
Published: Wed, Dec 4 at 1:55pm by Rotowire.com
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Not activated yet
Njoku (wrist) will not be activated ahead of Sunday's contest against the Steelers, Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal reports.
Analysis: The wait continues for Njoku, who returned to practice Nov. 20 after breaking his wrist in Week 2, thus landing on injured reserve. The Browns have until Dec. 11 to activate their star tight end or shut him down for the rest of the season, so there's still time for Njoku to find his way onto the field. Demetrius Harris will start Week 13 against the Steelers.
Published: Sat, Nov 30 at 12:26pm by Rotowire.com
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No decision yet on Week 13 status
Coach Freddie Kitchens said Friday that the Browns have yet to decide whether Njoku (wrist) will be activated from injured reserve prior to Sunday's matchup with the Steelers, Andrew Gribble of the Browns' official site reports.
Analysis: Njoku returned to practice Nov. 20 and reportedly took full contact that same day, but the Browns have yet to confirm that the tight end has completely moved past the fractured wrist he sustained Week 2. Though Kitchens remains mum on Njoku's status for Week 13, the Browns could still wait until Saturday to add the tight end back to the 53-man roster. If the Browns determine Njoku isn't fit to play this week, the team would have until Dec. 11 to activate him or shut him down for the remainder…read more
Published: Fri, Nov 29 at 11:11am by Rotowire.com
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Status TBD for Week 13
Coach Freddie Kitchens hasn't made a decision on the status of Njoku (wrist) for Sunday's game in Pittsburgh, Andrew Gribble of the Browns' official site reports. "We will just have to see," Kitchens said Monday. "It is a day-to-day kind of thing."
Analysis: Njoku returned to practice last Wednesday, but his ensuing activity wasn't enough for the Browns to elevate him to the 53-man roster for Sunday's visit to Miami. He'll have a few more chances to prove he's healthy this week, but Kitchens also noted "our tight ends have been doing a pretty good job." Until Njoku returns to action, Demetrius Harris will be the Browns' primary TE, with Ricky Seals-Jones, Pharaoh Brown and Stephen Carlson mixing in behind Harris in some combination.
Published: Mon, Nov 25 at 5:02pm by Rotowire.com
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Won't play this week
Njoku (wrist) won't be activated off IR for Sunday's game against the Dolphins, Scott Petrak of the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram reports.
Analysis: Njoku, who's been out due to a wrist injury that he suffered in Week 2, returned to practice Wednesday, but the Browns will elect to give the tight end another week to ready himself for the team's Dec. 1 game against the Steelers. Upon his return, Njoku should reclaim his status as Cleveland's top pass-catching threat at his position, a context that gives the 2017 first-rounder some stretch-run fantasy value.
Published: Fri, Nov 22 at 10:24am by Rotowire.com
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Not expected back in Week 12
The Browns aren't expected to reinstate Njoku (wrist) from injured reserve ahead of Sunday's game against the Dolphins, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reports.
Analysis: Though Njoku was cleared for full contact Wednesday in his first practice with the team since Week 2, the Browns reportedly intend to bring him along slowly as he returns from a broken wrist. Unless Njoku shows less rust than anticipated in his practice sessions Thursday and Friday, he'll remain on IR for another week before potentially rejoining the 53-man roster ahead of the Week 13 matchup with Pittsburgh. Expect Cleveland to continue with a four-man committee at tight end versus the…read more
Published: Thu, Nov 21 at 9:51am by Rotowire.com
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Feels ready to play
Njoku (wrist) said that he feels healthy enough to play Sunday against the Dolphins, Scott Petrak of the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram reports.
Analysis: The Browns officially designated Njoku as one of two players eligible to return from injured reserve Wednesday, with the tight end reportedly putting in a full-contact practice in the team's first session of Week 12. Since Njoku remains on IR, the Browns don't yet list him on their injury report, but more news on his potential availability for the weekend should trickle in when coach Freddie Kitchens speaks to the media Thursday and Friday. If Njoku is activated this week, he would likely…read more
Published: Wed, Nov 20 at 11:37am by Rotowire.com
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Cleared for contact
Njoku (wrist) was cleared for full contact in his return to practice Wednesday, Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal reports.
Analysis: The Browns designated Njoku as one of their two players that can return from injured reserve. The tight end is eligible to be activated as soon as Sunday's game against Miami, and his immediate clearance for contact suggests he has a decent shot to play. The Browns have deployed a rotation at tight end ever since Njoku broke his wrist in mid-September, with Ricky Seals-Jones, Demetrius Harris, Pharaoh Brown and Stephen Carlson combining for 21 receptions, 278 yards and five touchdowns on 31…read more
Published: Wed, Nov 20 at 7:57am by Rotowire.com
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Designated to return from IR
Njoku (wrist) was officially designated to return from injured reserve Wednesday after making a return to practice, Mary Kay Cabot of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.
Analysis: Njoku broke his wrist Week 2 and now has met the minimum IR requirement of eight missed games. He's eligible to be reinstated to the 53-man roster ahead of Sunday's matchup with Miami, but the Browns will first want to monitor his progress in practice. The team has been using a rotation at tight end since mid-September, with Ricky Seals-Jones, Demetrius Harris, Pharaoh Brown and Stephen Carlson combining for 21 receptions, 278 yards and five touchdowns on 31 targets over the past eight games.…read more
Published: Wed, Nov 20 at 7:00am by Rotowire.com
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Likely to practice Wednesday
Coach Freddie Kitchens said he expects Njoku (wrist) to resume practicing with the team Wednesday, Scott Petrak of the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram reports.
Analysis: Njoku wasn't on the field Monday for the Browns' workout, but the team is optimistic he'll be able to ramp up his activity as the week rolls along. Assuming Njoku does return to practice Wednesday, Cleveland would then have up to 21 days to evaluate the tight end for a return from injured reserve. Njoku is eligible to be reinstated to the 53-man roster ahead of Sunday's game against the Dolphins, but his potential availability for that contest likely will hinge on how he looks in practice this…read more
Published: Mon, Nov 18 at 10:26am by Rotowire.com
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Remains sidelined
Njoku (wrist) was not at practice Monday, Mary Kay Cabot of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.
Analysis: The tight end is eligible to be activated off IR in advance of Sunday's game against the Dolphins, but given that he hasn't returned to practice at this stage, Njoku's timetable for a return to game action remains unclear as the Browns' Week 12 preparations commence.
Published: Mon, Nov 18 at 7:59am by Rotowire.com
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Cast removed
Njoku had the cast removed from his broken wrist, suffered in a Week 2 win over the Jets, George M. Thomas and Marla Ridenour of the Akron Beacon Journal report.
Analysis: Njoku, who is on injured reserve, is optimistic he'll be back this season. The earliest he can return is Week 12, a Nov. 24 game against the Dolphins. With injuries mounting for the Browns at tight end -- Pharaoh Brown is in the concussion protocol and Ricky Seals-Jones left Sunday's contest with a knee injury -- designating Njoku as one of the team's IR returnees seems likely.
Published: Tue, Nov 5 at 3:58am by Rotowire.com
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