Browns' David Njoku Declines Surgery and Could Potentially Return This Season
By Scott Rogust
The Cleveland Browns offense took a hit once starting tight end David Njoku suffered a broken wrist against the New York Jets in Week 2. However, they received some good news on Tuesday in regards to the player's outlook.
According to Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com, Njoku has opted against undergoing surgery, and a return during the 2019 season is suddenly far more likely.
#Browns David Njoku elects not to have surgery on his broken wrist, source says, which increases the chances he'll be back this season; Damarious Randall indicates he's out of protocol, and more https://t.co/lz9fm6uCOl
— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) September 24, 2019
After getting upended by Jets cornerback Nate Hairston, the Browns placed Njoku on injured reserve. As a result of the team's move, he must miss at least eight weeks of action.
The positive news is that without surgery, the 2017 first-round pick can return after his IR stint is up. In that case, Njoku could play as early as Week 12 in an ultra-favorable matchup against the hapless Miami Dolphins.
Browns place TE David Njoku on injured reserve. pic.twitter.com/9BBCPSTXLt
— NFL (@NFL) September 20, 2019
Through two games this season, Njoku caught four of seven targets for 37 yards and a touchdown. His replacement, Demetrius Harris, caught one of two targets, which was a two-yard touchdown in Week 3 against the Los Angeles Rams.
David Njoku plays a pivotal role in the Cleveland Browns' offense, and the team is breathing a sigh of relief now that wrist surgery is officially off the table.