Shedeur Sanders will be without his top target when the Cleveland Browns take on the Cincinnati Bengals in the team’s final game of the season.
The Browns announced on Friday that Harold Fannin will not play against the Bengals. Fannin has been dealing with a hamstring injury that he suffered late in the week in preparation for the Pittsburgh Steelers game. Fannin reaggravated the injury on a touchdown catch, which will turn out to be the last play of his rookie season.
He has been the favorite target of quarterback Shedeur Sanders, who will make his seventh and final start of the season. Fannin will finish his rookie season with 72 catches for 731 yards and six touchdowns.
“Harold’s a big part of what we do. Obviously made a great play there right before he got injured, and there’s a lot of confidence in throwing the ball to Harold for Shedeur,” Browns offensive coordinator Tommy Rees said. “I think one thing our guys have done a really nice job of is having that next man up mentality and being ready to play when the number’s called. And I’m sure there’s going to be another situation that is unforeseen moving forward that we have to have somebody step up at a critical role for us.”
Browns Also Without David Njoku
The Browns will also be without veteran tight end David Njoku, who hasn’t played from Dec. 7 with a knee injury. It’s unfortunate timing for Njoku, who is in a contract year. Njoku finished the season with just 33 catches for 293 yards and four touchdowns.
Njoku was drafted in the first round by the Browns in 2017. He’s come a long way with the Browns, building out his game to become a well-rounded tight end. But it’s unknown if the Browns will be willing to bring him back, especially with the emergence of Fannin. Njoku has said he wants to be with the Browns for the entirety of his career. He was a name that came up at the trade deadline but was happy to remain in Cleveland.
“Of course, it’s always a possibility,” Njoku said. “This is the NFL, man, you know what I mean? But I’m in Cleveland, baby. I’m not going nowhere. I ain’t (expletive) leaving. Yeah. Get that on camera.”
Browns Rule Out Rookie Star Carson Schwesinger
Another notable rookie that will miss the finale is linebacker Carson Schwesinger. He battled through a leg injury against the Steelers but will not be good to go against the Bengals. The Browns listed him out with a quadriceps/ankle injury.
“He’s been a good leader for us. He’s increased that as the season’s gone on, and I look forward to seeing him even take greater strides as a player,” Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz said. “Really a cement block for our defense and I think Defensive Rookie of the Year.”
Schwesinger is the heavy favorite to win the award (-700, per DraftKings). Seattle Seahawks safety Nick Emmanwori (+850) and Atlanta Falcons linebacker James Pearce (+950) are also in the mix.
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