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Dec 3, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; Cleveland Browns coach Kevin Stefanski watches from the sidelines against the Los Angeles Rams in the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
September 18, 2024 By  Cleveland Browns

Cleveland Browns: Elite Offensive Weapon Not Expected to Play in Week 3

The Cleveland Browns play against the New York Giants at Huntington Bank Field in Cleveland, Ohio, for their third regular-season game of 2024. The Browns bounced back in Week 2 after getting blown out by the Cowboys in their home opener, defeating the Jaguars 18-13. Deshaun Watson performed better in Jacksonville, completing 22 out of 34 pass attempts for 186 yards and zero interceptions. He did this without their elite offensive weapon.

The Cleveland Browns Pro Bowl tight end missed Week 2 with an injury

Cleveland Browns, David Njoku
Sep 8, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku (85) falls while running the ball under coverage by Dallas Cowboys cornerback Trevon Diggs (7) during the first quarter at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images

David Njoku suffered an apparent ankle injury in the third quarter in Week 1, and he did not return for the remainder of the game. Kevin Stefanski didn’t specify whether he suffered a high-ankle sprain but had his injury classified as week-to-week. Njoku did not participate in practice heading into Week 2, and the Browns ruled him out.

The Cleveland Browns could be without their star tight end

Cleveland Browns, david njoku
Sep 18, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku (85) looks on from the sidelines against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the third quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

The Browns will release their first injury report for Week 3 soon. David Njoku was one of the players who did not participate on Wednesday. According to Andrew Siciliano, Njoku is unlikely to play this week. Not having him in the lineup will negatively impact their passing game since he’s one of their best offensive weapons who can stretch the field.

Who will be his replacement?

Cleveland Browns, Jordan Akins
Dec 3, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; Cleveland Browns tight end Jordan Akins (84) catches a ball during pregame in a game agains the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Yannick Peterhans-Imagn Images

If Njoku doesn’t play, the Browns will rely on 32-year-old, seven-year veteran, Jordan Akins. Akins caught his only target in Week 2 for ten yards and has four receptions on five targets for 37 yards on the season. He is ready to go.

“I’m ready. It’s nothing new to me,” Akins said. “I don’t feel like we’ll lose any fire, or we’ll lose any momentum. We’re going to rally behind Deshaun Watson and make plays and score touchdowns for him. So, I feel like it’s going to be positive.”

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About Jackson Loschko

Jackson is a sports writer who writes about professional and college football for Gridiron Heroics with an emphasis on roster moves and injury updates. Jackson’s goal is to be factual, impartial, objective, and trustworthy in his articles. His X handle is @JacksonLoschko.

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