Cleveland Browns DVOA, Stats, & NFL Rankings

Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku (ankle) was able to put in a limited practice on Wednesday. Njoku is slowly working his way back from a high-ankle sprain that he suffered in the Week 1 loss to the Dallas Cowboys. Njoku hasn't played in a game since, but he could be tracking toward his return in Week 5 this Sunday to face the Washington Commanders. The Browns coaching staff still wants to see a little more out of Njoku in practice the rest of the week before clearing him, so fantasy managers will need to continue monitoring his progress before throwing him back into starting lineups as a low-end TE1 in what has been a mediocre Browns offense to this point. Backup Jordan Akins hasn't been an answer for fantasy managers as a streamer the last three weeks, as he's caught just six passes for 49 yards and no scores in the three games that Njoku has missed.

Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski said on Monday that tight end David Njoku (ankle) is expected to practice again this week, and the team will determine later this week if he'll be able to return in Week 5 to face the Washington Commanders. Njoku injured his ankle in the Week 1 loss to the Dallas Cowboys and hasn't played since. However, the fact that the 28-year-old is returning to practice is a good sign as he tries to get back on the field. If he is able to avoid any setbacks at practice later this week and play on Sunday, Njoku will be a low-end TE1, at best, in his return to a Browns offense that has been lackluster under quarterback Deshaun Watson. In the last three games with Njoku sidelined, Jordan Akins hasn't been fantasy relevant with a combined six receptions on 10 targets for 49 yards and no touchdowns. Check back later this week on Njoku's practice statuses.

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Joe Flacco completed 16 of his 26 passes for 168 yards and two touchdowns in the team's 27-24 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. Flacco was put into the game in the first quarter after starting QB Anthony Richardson (hip) was ruled out due to injury. Flacco was productive in the game, finding Josh Downs for a four-yard touchdown grab in the first quarter and then hitting tight end Alec Ogletree on a 15-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter to help put it away for Indy. Recent reports suggest that Richardson is unlikely to miss additional time, likely putting Flacco back on the bench in the team's Week 5 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Richardson fantasy managers, or managers who regularly stream QBs should keep a close eye on the situation in the coming days if Richardson is a no go in Week 5.

Cleveland Browns kicker Dustin Hopkins made his lone field goal and made one of his two extra points in a 20-16 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 4. Hopkins drilled a 56-yard field goal in the first quarter but his missed extra point in the fourth quarter was tough as it put the Browns at a four-point deficit as they were attempting to complete the comeback. Hopkins has now made five of his six field goals and five of six extra points through four games this season. He will be a solid fantasy option heading into what could be a high-scoring game against the Washington Commanders in Week 5.

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Jerry Jeudy caught six of his nine targets for 72 yards in a 20-16 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 4. Jeudy wound up leading the Browns in receiving yardage and targets while finishing behind only Jerome Ford in catches in the close loss. The veteran wideout has been a solid addition to the Cleveland offense this season, reaching at least 72 receiving yards in two of his four games while catching one touchdown. Jeudy remains behind Amari Cooper in the receiver pecking order but the Browns have been throwing the ball frequently enough to allow him to produce solid fantasy numbers. Jeudy will be a solid WR3 heading into a plus matchup against the Washington Commanders in Week 5.