NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports that Browns TE David Njoku is feared to have suffered a high-ankle sprain in Sunday's loss to the Cowboys. That would likely mean multiple missed games. He'll undergo further testing Monday to confirm the diagnosis.
Njoku gave way to Jordan Akins against Dallas, with Akins' 43 snaps and 31 routes exceeding Njoku's playing time for the day.
Akins figures to take over the lead job for however long Njoku might be out.
Njoku would be a candidate for IR, but Cleveland would need to decide whether it wants to sacrifice him for at least four games.
We've seen that decision go both ways in recent seasons. Former Chargers (now Commanders) RB Austin Ekeler, for example, avoided IR last season after sustaining a high-ankle sprain in Week 1.
He missed three games but then returned after the team's Week 5 bye.
Ekeler never seemed right the rest of the way, though. That included averaging just 2.8 yards per carry over the five games that followed his return.
We'll see how Cleveland decides to treat Njoku. The bye not coming until Week 10 could motivate an IR designation.
Akins shouldn't match Njoku's role in the offense, which should help the available targets for WR Jerry Jeudy and others.
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