30 September 2023 , 23:09
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Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku sustained burns to his face and arm during an incident at his residence while tending to a fire pit. As a result, he has been listed on the team's injury report as "questionable" for the upcoming game against AFC North rival, the Baltimore Ravens, on Sunday.
The Browns announced the news through their team website's usual transaction history update. If Njoku cannot play, tight end Zaire Mitchell-Paden, who has been activated from Cleveland's practice squad, will take his place. But Saturday afternoon, Njoku hinted on social media that he intends to be available and ready to play against the Ravens.
"The flesh is weak. See you tomorrow #DawgPound," wrote Njoku on X, formerly known as Twitter. The tweet excited Browns fans, who were hopeful for his return after he recovered from his injuries.
The timing of the accident and the severity of the injuries to the Browns tight end have not been disclosed. However, his agent Malki Kawa shared on social media that the 27-year-old is doing fine and thanked everyone who supported him.
In his seventh season with Cleveland, Njoku has accumulated ten catches for 92 yards this season. He is known for his solid blocking skills, and coach Kevin Stefanski has highlighted Njoku's significant contributions to several key plays during the first three games.
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Njoku's injury adds further complexity to the organization, which may be without their starting quarterback Deshaun Watson. Watson has been limited in practice this week due to a shoulder injury and is also listed as questionable for the upcoming game. In response, the Browns have elevated quarterback P.J. Walker from the practice squad to the active roster.
Mitchell-Paden embarked on his NFL journey by signing with the Browns as an undrafted free agent in 2022. As a rookie, he spent his time on the practice squad.
David Njoku #85 and Anthony Walker Jr. #5 of the Cleveland Browns celebrate a win over the Tennessee TitansBefore his professional career, Mitchell-Paden had a varied college football experience. He began at Division II Notre Dame College in South Euclid, Ohio, and then in 2021, he played at Florida Atlantic University as a graduate student.
Walker is currently in his fourth season in the NFL after he played NCAA football at Temple University. He started his NFL career as an undrafted free agent when he signed with the Indianapolis Colts in 2017. Walker was part of the Colts' practice squad for the next two years.
In 2019, he briefly played for the Houston Roughnecks in the XFL before joining the Carolina Panthers in 2020. During his tenure with the Panthers, Walker appeared in 15 games, including seven starts. He completed 131 of 228 pass attempts for 1,461 yards while contributing five touchdown passes.
The rivalry between the Browns and the Ravens has been one-sided in favor of the Ravens as Baltimore's team has dominated the rivalry with 35 wins to just 13 for Cleveland.