To add insult to injury, the NFL has fined Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku for his interaction with fans during a 23-9 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The NFL has fined Njoku $14,491 for an obscene gesture. Video captured the veteran tight end flipping off fans at Acrisure Stadium as he walked to the locker room after suffering a knee injury.
Njoku has not often found himself in trouble. However, he was fined twice in 2023 for an obscene gesture and unnecessary roughness.
The NFL also fined Browns receiver Jerry Jeudy for his scuffle with Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. Jeudy’s fine was for $12,172.
Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen saw the biggest hit to his wallet after the AFC North rivalry matchup. Queen was fined $23,186 for a hit to the head/neck area of Dillon Gabriel.
Browns TE David Njoku Ruled Out for Week 7
Njoku will not be on the field when the Browns host the Miami Dolphins on Sunday. The knee injury he suffered against the Steelers was severe enough to keep him out this week.
“Dave’s a huge part of what we do — on and off the field — and the energy he brings every day,” Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said. “We expect other guys to step up in his absence. He’ll still be there on the sideline providing the same leadership he always does.”
The hit that injured Njoku came from former Browns safety Juan Thornhill, now a member of the Steelers. Njoku did not deem the hit a cheap shot and hopes to return to the field soon.
“It was a brutal hit from a former Brown at that, you know what I mean?” Njoku told cleveland.com. “It is what it is. I’m rehabbing very well.”
With Njoku sidelined, rookie tight end Harold Fannin Jr. will take on an even larger role. Fannin leads Cleveland with 28 receptions for 254 yards and a touchdown this season. He’s coming off his best game yet, hauling in seven catches for 81 yards on 10 targets. Blake Whiteheart is also expected to see an uptick in snaps at tight end.
“We’ve got different options,” Stefanski said. “Blake’s a guy who’s played a lot of football for us, and we trust him.”
Cleveland also listed right tackle Jack Conklin (concussion), defensive tackles Mason Graham (knee) and Mike Hall Jr. (knee), wide receiver Gage Larvadain (concussion), and defensive end Joe Tryon-Shoyinka (hip) as questionable for Sunday.
Browns Offense Looking to Get on Track
The Browns’ offense will be without the services of Njoku as they attempt to get back on track. Cleveland is averaging just 13.7 points per game this season — the lowest in the NFL — and has not eclipsed 17 points for 11 straight games, dating back to last season.
“We have to play better, we have to do everything better,” Njoku said. “We’re not doing it up to par right now, so a change has to happen. We have to be better.”
A game at home against the 1-5 Dolphins is a good get-right spot for the Browns. However, they’ll also have to battle the elements. Rain and gusts up to 40 mph are expected for the Week 7 matchup.
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