For the second week in a row, David Njoku’s availability is in doubt due to an injury—this time for Week 16 against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Njoku participated in just one practice leading up to the game, a limited session on Friday. The team appears to be cautiously testing his hamstring to determine if it can handle game conditions. If Njoku is unable to play, it could spell trouble for quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson. Apart from Njoku, Shelby Harris is the only player officially ruled out for the Bengals game. Harris injured his elbow in Week 15 against the Chiefs and will sit out as the Browns have little to gain from risking the veteran defensive lineman with their season effectively over.
In Harris’ absence, rookie defensive end Mike Hall Jr. is expected to see significant playing time against a potent Bengals offense.
The Browns are also dealing with other notable injuries. Wide receiver Cedric Tillman remains sidelined after missing a month due to a concussion. He has yet to clear protocol, raising concerns about his long-term health. Additionally, Jameis Winston has been ruled out after sustaining a shoulder injury in practice. According to Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com, Winston will now serve as the third quarterback behind Bailey Zappe and Thompson-Robinson. His absence isn’t a major blow, as it was already known he wouldn’t start in Week 16.
As for the Bengals, they’ll be without Sam Hubbard, Tanner Hudson, and Sheldon Rankins. Offensive lineman Orlando Brown is listed as questionable, while wide receiver Tee Higgins is set to play despite missing practice time earlier in the week. Higgins’ return provides a boost for quarterback Joe Burrow alongside star receiver Ja’MarrChase.
