David Njoku injury update: Latest on Browns TE's status for Fantasy Football Week 17

Cleveland Browns veteran David Njoku won't be available for Sunday's matchup against the Miami Dolphins. The Browns have posted a disappointing 2024 NFL season after shocking the world last season by making it to the playoffs with Joe Flacco under center and a bunch of starters injured.

Njoku had been one of the positive notes of the season for the Browns, but he's been ruled out for their Week 17 matchup against the AFC East squad. The 28-year-old was joined by defensive end Ogbo Okoronkwo (knee) and Cedric Tillman (concussion) as players ruled out for this matchup.

David Njoku injury update: What happened to Browns star TE?

David Njoku was ruled out by the Browns after not participating in a single practice session this week. The veteran has been dealing with a knee injury that prevented him from taking the field.

Today was the last chance he got to show he was healthy or could be ready for Sunday, but the team decided to shut him down, as the Browns are playing for basically nothing at this point.

While it's unclear who will start at quarterback on Sunday, Njoku's absence would make a major impact on the team's offense. He was Dorian Thompson-Robinson's favorite target in the Week 16 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals, being targeted 10 times by the second-year quarterback.

He caught eight passes for 66 yards as the Browns lost, 24-6, to their divisional rivals. For the season, Njoku has posted 64 receptions for 505 receiving yards and five receiving touchdowns.

David Njoku came from a season where he reached a new level of performance and became a true leader for the Browns, even taking the field hours after getting his face burned in a house accident.

Despite the struggles the team has experienced this campaign, they remain hopeful that things can get better next season and Njoku remains an integral part of their future plans.

Jordan Akins should carry the load without Njoku on the field for the struggling Browns. They enter this game with a 3-12 record after yet another defeat to the Bengals. The Miami Dolphins will try to cash in on Cleveland's struggles and the absences they'll have for this matchup.

Jameis Winston was listed as questionable and would be Thompson-Robinson's backup quarterback if healthy enough, Kevin Stefanski said. During these times, struggling teams can pull off upset wins, but it's hard to imagine the Browns keeping up with the Dolphins with their banged-up roster.