Cleveland

Browns

Njoku will undergo tests, and presumably an MRI, on Monday to confirm the extent of the damage, but he’ll likely miss multiple weeks if the injury is confirmed. Njoku led the Browns with 44 receiving yards in Sunday’s loss and was poised for a big season after last year’s 81-882-6 performance. Backup Jordan Akins would likely become the starter in Njoku’s absence, but he wouldn’t carry much fantasy upside in Week 2 against the Jaguars.

In his Cleveland debut, Jeudy caught Deshaun Watson’s lone touchdown toss after the game had gotten out of hand. Jeudy was second on the team in targets, trailing only Amari Cooper (9). Jeudy should at least have volume on his side in a Browns offense that regularly ranks among the league leaders in offensive snaps per week. Maybe a change at quarterback will make Jeudy more interesting for fantasy purposes.

No NFL wideout ran more routes (57) than Cooper on Sunday; his ten targets led the team. His inefficiency was par for the course in a Cleveland offense that was dysfunctional from the start. Cooper was open a few times in the second half but a constantly-pressured Deshaun Watson didn’t see him (along with other open pass catchers). Watson hit Cooper’s fingertips in the fourth quarter on what would have been a long touchdown. Cooper will be a top-15 option in Week 2 against the Jaguars.

No other Cleveland back saw more than two carries on the day. Ford operated as the clear No. 1 backfield option and benefited from four quarters of negative game script as the main pass catcher out of the backfield. Jerry Jeudy and Amari Cooper were the only Browns players who out-targeted Ford on the day. He should regularly be in the 15-20 touch range for as long as Nick Chubb (knee) is on the PUP list. He’ll face a middling Jaguars defense in Week 2.

Stefanski said he didn’t have any update on the severity of Njoku’s injury, so we’ll likely learn a lot more on this tomorrow. The Browns tight end caught four passes for 44 yards in Sunday’s loss to the Cowboys and did not return to the game. Njoku’s ankle seemed to get rolled up a bit under a defender, but was released before hitting the ground — saving him from what could have been a far more serious injury. Jordan Akins led all Browns tight ends in snaps on Sunday and would presumably be the favorite to replace Njoku if he were to miss time.

Watson averaged a cool 3.75 yards per attempt in yet another disastrous outing in a Browns uniform. Cleveland’s offense was a hair-on-fire unit, with seemingly no game plan other than to avoid a ferocious Dallas pass rush, which got to Watson six times on the day and pressured him on half of his drop backs. Watson appeared flustered on almost every drop back. He missed routine throws, and with slightly worse luck, would have had four or five interceptions. As he always does, Watson took monstrous shot after monstrous shot, making no effort to avoid oncoming rushers and sometimes struggling to peel himself off the turf. The Cleveland crowd booed Watson early and often and may have chanted at one point in favor of backup QB Jameis Winston, who is sure to play at some point in 2024. If the Browns want to salvage this season, they cannot possibly keep Watson under center.

Njoku caught a lengthy pass over the middle and took a shot to the upper body or neck area. He was evaluated on the sideline and helped into the blue tent. In a blowout loss, the Browns don’t have much reason to bring back one of their most important offensive players. Njoku had four catches for 44 yards before exiting.

Thompson-Robinson is the team’s third quarterback. Deshaun Watson and Jameis Winston will be active for opening day against Dallas. The Browns will be without Conklin, a potential problem against Dallas’ fierce pass rush.

Darden is a former fourth round pick by the Buccaneers in the 2021 NFL Draft. He’ll take the open roster spot the Browns had after waiving David Bell earlier this week. Darden is an additional weapon in the return game for Cleveland while Ford Jr. and Ifedi are depth pieces.

Toney was cut by the Chiefs as they got down to their 53-man roster. The Seahawks hosted him for a visit last week but nothing has materialized from the meeting. The Browns have made various efforts to add depth to their receiving room via the draft and the trade market in recent seasons. Jerry Jeudy is locked in as their No. 2 receiver but Toney could be a part-time third receiver if he signs in Cleveland. Toney could also find a new home later in the season once injuries start to take their toll on rosters.