Browns Tight End Since their Week 1 loss to the Cowboys in the third quarter, David Njoku has not set foot on the field.Listed as questionable instead of out on the injury report for the first time this season, Njoku could change that on Sunday against the Washington Commanders. While the Browns will wait until Sunday’s game to make the final call on Njoku, the 2023 Pro Bowler might provide a crucial lift for an offense that has struggled in his absence.
Ken Dorsey, the offensive coordinator, described Dave as a “big piece.” “He’s a fantastic football player who contributes greatly to our offence in a variety of ways, including run, pass, and protection. He offers us a great deal of freedom.”
Njoku had five targets for four receptions and 44 yards at the end of his brief play against the Cowboys. His 29-yard reception in the third quarter was an illustration of the explosiveness the eight-year veteran has to provide. Thirty of his forty-four receiving yards came after the catch.
For the first time since suffering the ankle injury that has sidelined him for the majority of the season, Njoku addressed the media on Friday. When he returns to the field, he suggested he can give the Browns offence a “energy burst”.
“I just want to be out there for my team, you know?” Njoku stated. “I want to be out there giving them the energy that they require and vice versa.”
Njoku had been working up to a Pro Bowl-caliber season in the years preceding up to the 2023 season, in which he had a career-high 882 receiving yards and six touchdowns. With Njoku out, the Browns’ tight ends have struggled to generate results; in his place, Blake Whiteheart and Jordan Akins have combined for 89 yards and a touchdown.Njoku might give the Browns offence the jolt they need. With the second-fewest yards per game on average, the Browns quarterback, Deshaun Watson, has yet to throw for more over 200 yards.
Regarding Njoku’s possible comeback, Watson remarked, “It would be big for this offence.” His role in this system is significant. That’s precisely what we intended to accomplish at the beginning of the season. […] We’ll see how this week goes, but if he can make it to the game, we’ll be thrilled.”
Njoku has participated in offensive meetings while he attempts to return to the field, despite his inability to contribute on the field. Njoku, a prominent offensive leader, claimed that it is not too difficult to identify the cause of the offense’s lack of success.
We’ve actually defeated ourselves in each match. Mistakes have pushed us back behind the eight ball,” Njoku added. “At the end of the day, it’s football. We’ve been engaged in this game for a while. Everybody here is a professional. All we need to do is execute without making any mistakes; if we accomplish that, we will succeed.”
This season, the Browns offence has been devoid of big passing plays; there have only been eight passing plays for 20 yards or more, which is the fourth fewest number in the league. Njoku stated that he still thinks the Browns have exceptional offensive talent.
“If we don’t hurt ourselves, you’ll see those explosive plays that everyone desires,” Njoku stated. “It’s really that simple.”
