Things aren’t looking good for the Cleveland Browns. Already sitting at the bottom of the AFC North, they seemed to be losing hope of finishing the season with much to be happy about. Most recently, the concern has been tight end David Njoku, who went down with a knee injury in Week 14. Recent reports revealed he’s not enlisted to practice on Wednesday, leading coach Kevin Stefanski to address the situation.

“Stefanski: “I wouldn’t rule anybody out” for Sunday,” was the verdict as per NFL writer Zac Jackson on X.

Things went downhill with 14:24 remaining in the second quarter, when the tight end made a diving catch to score a one-yard touchdown. However, he ended up hurting himself and was seen rushing to the locker room. After a while, his return to the field gave fans a glimmer of hope. Unfortunately, he didn’t come back to play; he returned only to head straight to the medical tent. 

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What made things complicated was Njoku’s knee soreness for the past three weeks. Although the team hasn’t made any official statement regarding his injury, his status has been declared “questionable” for Week 15 against the Chicago Bears. Head coach Stefanski has cleared his air that he’ll see how things will go this week before making any final decision about Njoku. 

Njoku’s absence leaves rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders in a tough spot, losing his most reliable arm on the field. It’s a no-brainer that Cleveland has already lost this season, but they aim to get Sanders comfortable before setting expectations for 2026. However, on an interesting note, Njoku’s injury could open the door for rookie Harold Fannin Jr. to step up and shine.

Harold Fannin Jr.’s growing impact in Browns

This season may not have brought the results Cleveland was hoping for, but they indeed found a gem. Drafted in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft, Harold Fannin Jr. is already writing his name in the pages of history. By catching 59 passes, he ranked second among rookies and seventh overall among tight ends across the league. So far, he has totaled his stats to 619 yards and four receptions. 

If Njoku turns up on the Injured Reserve, Fannin Jr. will land more opportunities. Just eight more catches, and he’ll surpass the rookie record of the Browns’ Kevin Johnson with 66 receptions in 1999. He has already dethroned Ozzie Newsome from the highest receiving yards by a rookie tight end (589), set in 1978. 

The best part? His chemistry with the rookie quarterback, Sanders. In fact, in Week 14 (when Njoku got injured), Fannin Jr. logged eight catches for 114 yards along with a touchdown, marking his career-high stats. With Sanders, Fannin Jr. has averaged 65.6 yards per game, which has gradually increased from 40 yards per game with former quarterbacks. 

So, even if Njoku has not been officially declared ‘Out’, the Browns have a young 21-year-old prepared to fill the shoes. Who knows, he and Sanders might end up becoming the next big thing in gridiron?