The Cleveland Browns might be forced to face the Baltimore Ravens without starting tight end David Njoku on Sunday. The 27-year-old Cedar Grove, New Jersey native has been added to the Week 4 injury report after suffering burns on his face and arm from what’s being described as a “household accident.”
The incident reportedly occurred when Njoku was lighting a fire pit in his backyard, but thankfully the situation didn’t get too far out of control.
Njoku’s agent has since responded via X, letting everyone know his client is okay.
Njoku is officially listed as questionable and the Browns have since elevated tight end Zaire Mitchell-Paden from the practice squad to the active roster for Sunday’s game, which is an indication that they may be without Njoku against Baltimore.
Mitchell-Paden is a 6-foot-5 athlete who’s in his second NFL season. Yet, after signing with the Browns as an undrafted free agent out of Florida Atlantic in 2022, Mitchell-Paden has yet to make his regular-season debut. That may change on Sunday.
The severity of Njoku’s injuries are not known at this time, but as his agent mentioned, he seems to be okay. The Browns also have Harrison Bryant, who’s expected to fill in as a starter if needed, and veteran Jordan Akins on the roster as secondary tight end options.
Njoku, the 29th overall pick of the 2017 NFL Draft, is in his seventh season with the Browns. He’s coming off a career-best season where he recorded 58 receptions for 628 receiving yards and four touchdowns while posting his highest catch rate yet.
Both the Browns and Ravens are 2-1, but Cleveland’s already without All-Pro running back Nick Chubb, who suffered a season-ending leg injury in their Week 2 loss to Pittsburgh.
Related: Week 4 fantasy football rankings: Evaluating best QB, RB, WR and TE options
