NFL
Browns' tight end David Njoku placed on covid-19 list
Cleveland now faces a complicated situation as they try to find cover for the star's absence.
The NFL has been a model example in how to handle the pandemic, until lately.
Browns' David Njoku latest to be covid-19 positive
On Tuesday the Cleveland Browns announced that tight end David Njoku would be placed on the reserve/covid-19 list, naturally bringing into question his availability for Sunday's critical NFC North game against the Baltimore Ravens. Njoku, who scored a touchdown reception in the Browns' most recent game will be a major loss for the Browns as they attempt to overcome a season that has seen it's share of ups and downs so far. Interestingly, it was not disclosed whether Njoku tested positive for covid-19 or if he is being placed on the list as an unvaccinated person who had close contact with an infected individual.
The Browns have an issue
The Browns who are 6-6 also could also have to play without tight end Harrison Bryant. Having suffered a high ankle sprain in Week 12 in a 16-10 loss against the Ravens, Bryant's absence only serves to increase the offensive problem faced by the Browns. Where Njoku is concerned, it now comes down to his vaccination status. If he is vaccinated and tested positive, then he will be permitted to return once he provide two negative tests 24 hours apart. If, however, he is unvaccinated and tested positive, he will be sidelined for a minimum of 10 days. Should Njoku be registered as a close contact, he will be obligated to quarantine for a period of five days and can return once that period ends, assuming he can provide a negative test. To date, Njoku leads the Browns with 407 receiving yards. He is currently third on the team with 27 receptions. He also is tied for the team lead with three touchdown receptions.
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Do the Browns have hope?
At the very least one can see that the Browns were aware of their predicament, as they acquired Miller Forristall in a corresponding move. They can also look towards starting tight end Austin Hooper, who is in fact second on the team with 28 receptions and has 261 yards and two touchdowns. While Njoku's absence will be felt, perhaps Cleveland can rest assured that the ball won't be dropped.