Cleveland Browns DVOA, Stats, & NFL Rankings

Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku (ankle) will miss Sunday's game against the Jacksonville Jaguars due to an ankle injury. Njoku suffered the ankle injury in Week 1 and is considered week-to-week. The 28-year-old limped off the field after being rolled up on by an opposing defender in Sunday's game against the Dallas Cowboys and was feared to have a high ankle sprain. He has a history of foot and ankle issues, which is concerning for his future production. However, there aren't many good options for fantasy at tight end, so he's a must-start when he plays. Fellow Browns tight end Jordan Akins is the only other TE on the depth chart, but he logged just three receptions in 2023, so Njoku managers should look elsewhere for a replacement this week.

The NFL doesn't plan on placing Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson on the commissioner's exempt list in light of a new civil lawsuit stemming from a 2020 allegation since there have been no criminal charges, and the league's review of the situation has just begun. "We are reviewing the complaint and we will look into the matter under the Personal Conduct Policy," an NFL public-relations person said. The 28-year-old served an 11-game suspension in 2022 after two dozen women accused him of sexual assault during massage sessions, but this new lawsuit accuses him of sexual assault and batter in 2020. Another suspension for the Browns QB could be coming, but it most likely will be delayed until the legal process plays out. In addition to new legal issues, Watson looked terrible in the Week 1 loss to the Dallas Cowboys and he'll be firmly on the QB2 radar for a Week 2 meeting with Jacksonville.

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson was sued on Monday in Houston for sexual assault and battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. The accusations are very similar to those that were made against Watson in more than 20 lawsuits filed back in 2021, and the plaintiff is represented by Tony Buzbee, who represented many others who sued Watson in 2021. It's possible that Watson could be subject to further scrutiny under the league's personal-conduct policy, and it's also possible that a suspension could give the Browns a path toward voiding his remaining salary guarantees and ending the relationship. The biggest difference between this new case and the others is that Watson is specifically accused of sexual assault. After a terrible Week 1 performance against the Cowboys on Sunday, now Watson has yet another legal issue hanging over his head.

Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski has indicated that tight end David Njoku is week-to-week with an ankle injury. Njoku sustained the injury at the end of a 29-yard catch-and-run during the Browns' second drive of the third quarter. He briefly visited the medical tent before heading to the locker room, and although he was initially listed as questionable to return, he did not re-enter the game. Njoku finished with four catches for 44 yards. He was named to his first Pro Bowl last season after a standout year in which he set career highs with 81 receptions, 882 yards, and 6 touchdowns. With Njoku and Jordan Akins as the only tight ends on the roster, it appears Akins will take over starting duties until Njoku is back. Akins is currently not a recommended fantasy option and is likely to be a touchdown-or-bust candidate.

The Cleveland Browns fear that tight end David Njoku (ankle) suffered a high-ankle sprain during Sunday's loss to the Dallas Cowboys. The 28-year-old had caught four of five targets for 44 yards prior to his departure. Cleveland suffered a brutal loss at the hands of the Cowboys, so this latest news about Njoku adds insult to injury. Assuming this initial diagnosis is confirmed, Njoku will be looking at an extended absence (typically a month or more) followed by a significant performance dip once he returns. Until he gets back on the field, Jordan Akins will operate as the Browns' top tight end. He remains off the fantasy radar for the time being.