Cleveland Browns DVOA, Stats, & NFL Rankings

Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku (undisclosed) was cleared to practice at training camp for the first time on Saturday. The Browns held Njoku out of the first two days of camp as a precaution due to a minor undisclosed injury. Njoku will be fully ready for the start of the 2024 regular season after coming on strong in the second half of last year, ironically after quarterback Deshaun Watson (shoulder) had season-ending surgery. The 28-year-old former 29th overall pick in 2017 out of Miami was a first-time Pro Bowler and set career-highs in catches (81), targets (123), receiving yards (882) and touchdowns (six) in 16 regular-season starts. The big-bodied and burly tight end excels in yards after the catch and should remain one of the most-targeted pass-catchers in Cleveland's offense. Njoku is firmly on the TE1 radar after his strong finish in 2023.

Cleveland Browns running back Jerome Ford (personal) remained absent from training camp practice on Friday due to personal reasons. "He won't be here today, but he'll be here shortly. He's got some great news to share with you," head coach Kevin Stefanski said. It sounds like Ford has a new addition to the family. The fourth-year pro is projected to be a starter to open the 2024 regular season, as long as RB Nick Chubb (knee) is recovering from a gruesome torn ACL, MCL and meniscus last year. Chubb is a candidate to open the year on the Physically Unable to Perform list, which would keep him sidelined for at least the first four weeks. Ford's fantasy value as an RB3/flex will be fluid this summer as we track the progress of Chubb.

Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski said that quarterback Deshaun Watson (shoulder) will be throwing in 11-on-11 team drills in training camp practice when the pads go on soon. Watson also took part in 11-on-11's this week without pads and is coming along nicely after having season-ending surgery on his right shoulder last year. He's on track to be 100% for the start of the 2024 regular season in Week 1. It's good news for a player that missed all of 2021 due to suspension and played in a combined 12 games the last two years for the Browns due to injuries. The 28-year-old signal-caller showed flashes of his high-end talent earlier in his career with the Houston Texans, but until he's able to stay healthy for a full year in Cleveland, fantasy managers should have him listed as a QB2 with upside.

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (shoulder) threw in 11-on-11 drills at training camp practice on Friday for the first time since last season. The Browns are currently unsure if Watson will get repetitions in the preseason this year after having season-ending shoulder surgery in 2023, but he's taking part in practices early in camp and should be fully ready for Week 1 of the 2024 regular season, barring a setback. The 28-year-old took part in 7-on-7 drills in spring practices and is not being limited early in training camp. It's a great sign for Watson, who will be looking to stay healthy and play a full season for the first time with the Browns this year. Watson has proven to be a dynamic QB when healthy, and he has plenty of playmakers around him in Cleveland, but he's going to need to stay healthy and push the ball downfield to prove he's more than a QB2 in fantasy.

Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku (undisclosed) was seen working on the side at training camp on Thursday. Zac Jackson of The Athletic reports that Njoku was working alongside Jerry Jeudy (leg) and Nick Chubb (knee) among other players dealing with injuries. Njoku was at least getting some work in even though it wasn't with the whole team in the main portion of practice. His injury remains undisclosed at this point, but we could get some further insight on Friday. He proved to be a fantastic fantasy asset while playing with Joe Flacco last season, but it's unclear whether or not he can build the same chemistry with Deshaun Watson.