CLEVELAND (AP) — Browns tight end David Njoku could miss several weeks with a sprained ankle suffered in Sunday’s season-opening loss to Dallas, another concern for a Cleveland offense with multiple issues.
Njoku, who led Cleveland in receptions and touchdowns last season, got hurt while being tackled after a 29-yard gain — the Browns’ longest play — in the third quarter of a 33-17 defeat.
While it was widely reported following the game that Njoku has a high ankle sprain, coach Kevin Stefanski said only that the tight end is one of several players dealing with “week to week” injuries.
Asked to be more specific on a Zoom call, Stefanski only offered that Njoku “is dealing with an ankle injury.”
The Browns play at Jacksonville on Sunday.
Njoku finished with four catches for 44 yards before his injury.
Cleveland’s offense and quarterback Deshaun Watson struggled in Week 1, and now the Browns may have to adjust to not having Njoku, one of the team’s top playmakers.
The Browns are also missing tackles Jack Conklin and Jedrick Wills Jr., who were both inactive on Sunday after coming back from knee surgeries.
Njoku blossomed into one of the league’s elite tight ends in 2023.
He caught 81 passes for 882 yards and six TDs, earning his first Pro Bowl trip.
A first-round draft pick in 2017, Njoku has the second most receptions (291) for Cleveland since the team’s expansion reboot in 1999.
Kevin Johnson is first with 315.
Jordan Akins is next on Cleveland’s depth chart.
He had three catches for 27 yards against the Cowboys, but doesn’t have the same dynamic skills as Njoku.
Akins was the only other tight end active for the opener.
Browns signing Toney
to practice squad
CLEVELAND (AP) — Coming off a lackluster offensive performance in their opener, the Cleveland Browns are signing former Kansas City wide receiver — and Super Bowl star — Kadarius Toney to their practice squad, a person familiar with the move told The Associated Press on Monday.
A first-round draft pick in 2021 by the New York Giants, Toney was waived in August by the champion Chiefs after two seasons.
Toney will join the Browns’ practice squad this week, said the person who spoke on condition of anonymity because the 25-year-old has not yet signed his contract.
Toney visited the Browns on Friday.
He also drew interest from the Seattle Seahawks.
Toney made two spectacular plays while helping the Chiefs beat the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LVII.
He caught a 5-yard touchdown pass and returned a punt 65 yards to set up another score.
Toney was inactive for Kansas City’s title win last season.
Maybe he can help the Browns.
Quarterback Deshaun Watson and Cleveland’s offense sputtered on Sunday in a 33-17 loss to Dallas.
The Browns picked up just one first down in the first half and never threatened the Cowboys.
Toney gives the Browns some depth behind receivers Amari Cooper, Jerry Jeudy, Elijah Moore and Cedric Tillman.
Cleveland, which plays at Jacksonville this week, could also use another weapon for Watson — with Pro Bowl tight end David Njoku expected to miss several weeks with a sprained ankle.
Toney has 82 catches for 760 yards and three touchdowns in 32 career NFL games.
He had his best season as a rookie with 39 catches for 420 yards.
Cameron Latu and Blake Whiteheart could be elevated from the practice squad.
