Browns: Austin Hooper out Sunday

The Cleveland Browns will be without their number one tight end as they take on the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 7.

Austin Hooper will be out this Sunday when the Cleveland Browns take on the Cincinnati Bengals. Head coach Kevin Stefanski stated that Hooper has appendicitis and will need an appendectomy. This will keep the Browns starting tight end out of action Sunday and there is no timetable for a return.

Hooper has 22 receptions this season for 205 yards and 1 touchdown this season. After a bit of a slow start, Hooper has seen an uptick in production with 15 receptions for 143 yards and his lone touchdown coming in the last three games.

The Browns will have turn to Harrison Bryant and David Njoku for at least this week. If Cleveland wants a third tight end to use Stephen Carlson is an option as well. Bryant should slide into Hooper’s role with Njoku possibly doing something noteworthy. Njoku has not done all that much this season and there are reports he has requested a trade. While Njoku commented on them, he did not deny the fact he requested a trade. Perhaps Njoku can surprise many and put up a good performance against Cincinnati, allowing the Browns to flip him for something of value.