For the Cleveland Browns to even think about beating the reigning Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs, they will need all of their players to play beyond their means, and some luck.
On Friday Pro Bowl tight end David Njoku, one of the offense’s biggest weapons, was not able to practice for the third day in a row and was designated as questionable for Sunday’s contest joining WR Cedric Tillman.
Njoku was dealing with a hamstring issue all week and wasn’t able to practice. The coaching staff was optimistic about him suiting up in what would have been a very good tight-end battle between himself and Travis Kelce of the Chiefs, two of the league’s best receiving tight ends.
#Browns David Njoku (hamstring) is likely to sit on Sunday vs. the #Chiefs … OC Ken Dorsey says if he can't play, they'll go tight end by committee: https://t.co/MXqGnB1kek
— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) December 12, 2024
Cleveland.com’s Mary Kay Cabot does not believe that Njoku will play against Kansas City. Njoku sustained a hamstring injury in Week 14 against the Pittsburgh Steelers,
Now the 3-10-0 Browns will rely on veteran Jordan Akins, Blake Whiteheart, and will probably bring up either Cameron Latu or Tre’ McKitty from the practice squad. That third body used to be Geoff Swaim who is now on IR.
Njoku was voted to his first Pro Bowl last year as it was a season in which he played a full slate of games. He is known for being injury-prone and has great numbers when healthy. So far this year, he has played in 10 games with 87 targets, 56 receptions for 439 yards, five touchdowns, a 7.8 yards per reception average, and has converted 20 first downs. He also has 209 yards after contact (YAC) and is ranked #11 in this department.
He also has seven drops, tied for sixth in the NFL.
#Browns TE David Njoku has been dealing with a hamstring injury all week.
Caught up with him quickly today. He's feeling "okay" but it's been a test for him as he tries to get right for this week's game, listed as questionable but trying to play against the Chiefs.
"We'll see." pic.twitter.com/8C9xFtwGwY
— Camryn Justice (@camijustice) December 13, 2024
Njoku is an unsung member of the offense from whom you rarely hear anything negative. He is a team-first guy who has played through various injuries such as an ankle sprain and even burns on his skin. Any hamstring injury is tough to overcome, but if Njoku can’t go, everyone knows it is a serious issue.
Akins this year has played in all 13 games with 36 targets, 24 receptions for 243 yards and one score. Whiteheart has played in seven games with six targets, four catches for 42 yards and a single touchdown.
