David Njoku injury update: Will he play against the Jacksonville Jaguars?

The Cleveland Browns began the 2024 NFL season with a 33-17 loss to the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, a disappointing start to the new campaign for Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski.

“They came out and hit us in the face on both sides,” Browns guard Joel Bitonio said after the game. “It was disappointing.”

The opening weekend frustrations were compounded by an injury suffered by tight end David Njoku that leaves him questionable for next weekend’s trip to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Njoku picked up the injury during the Browns’ second drive in the third quarter, turning his ankle over after completing a 29-yard run.

He hobbled from the field and, after a quick stop at the medical tent, limped to the locker room and did not return. Njoku made his first Pro Bowl appearance last season off the back of an impressive year, recording 81 receptions, 882 yards and six touchdown catches.

What is David Njoku’s injury status?

The tight end was initially announced as questionable to return after exiting against the Cowboys and was not able to return to the field.

NFL insider Ian Rapoport announced on Sunday evening that Njoku is “feared to have suffered a high-ankle sprain” from the opening game. The team will conduct further tests on Monday to assess the extent of the injury.

As one of only two tight ends on the 53-man roster, Njoku would be a real loss for the Browns if unavailable going forward. The only other specialist tight end is 32-year-old Jordan Akins, while Cameron Latu and Blake Whiteheart are potential options on the practice squad.

Speaking after the game, Stefanski admitted that his team had underperformed in the first competitive fixture of the new season: “Really disappointed in our performance.”

He continued: Too sloppy, minus two in the turnover battle, gave up a punt return. Offensively, felt like were behind the chains the vast majority of the game, which is, again, not good enough and not how we need to play in order to win football games. Now, that’s all the bad news. The good news is we have a game next week down in Jacksonville, and we have to get back at it.”