David Njoku has a broken wrist and is going to miss some time. This is a blow to a promising tight end who could have taken that next step forward this season. While there will still be time for him to do so later in the season, the browns will be without him for the time being.
This is not a death blow to the Browns offense. David Njoku could be a dynamic player but has not put it all together yet. Things would be drastically different if there were not the plethora of playmakers on offense. Baker Mayfield will still have the likes of Odell Beckham Jr., Jarvis Landry and Rashard Higgins to throw to. Antonio Callaway will return in a few games just giving the Browns yet another option on offense.
The only problem with all those names listed above are that they are not tight ends, they are wide receivers. David Njoku will have to be replaced as someone who can line up next to a tackle and block when called upon.
Come on down Demetrius Harris and Ricky Seals-Jones! You are the next men up on the depth chart!
Both Demetrius Harris and Ricky Seals-Jones are both better blockers than pass catchers. Something that actually may come in handy right now. The Browns offense is yet to find their stride and the offensive line has struggled blocking. Njoku is not necessarily a good blocking tight end and his absence might help things out for the time being as crazy as that sounds. Baker needs time to throw with the new offensive concepts being introduced this season and has not had it.
Perhaps keeping in Harris or Seals-Jones as a blocker will give Mayfield more time in the pocket over the next few games. This starts with Sunday Night’s contest at home against the Los Angeles Rams and their tough defensive front. Keeping an extra blocker in to try and slow down Aaron Donald is just one of the things they will need to in order to win Sunday.
As much as it sucks to be without David Njoku, his absence could finally lead to the Browns offense finding the rhythm they have been desperately seeking through their first two games.