David Njoku injury update: Latest on Browns TE for Week 16 vs Bengals

David Njoku is one of the most consistent tight ends in the NFL. The Miami product has been a constant part of the Browns offense for years, and he's remained a safe target for numerous franchise quarterbacks during that timeframe.

Let's examine Njoku's availability ahead of the Browns' upcoming game against the Cincinnati Bengals.

David Njoku's injury update

According to CBS Sports, David Njoku did not participate in his team's Thursday practice session. Njoku is dealing with a hamstring issue in the lead-up to Week 16.

The report states that the veteran tight end also missed Wednesday's training due to the same issue. Thus, Njoku must now play in some capacity on Friday to give him a decent chance at appearing in Sunday's game against the Bengals.

Njoku isn't the only member of the Browns currently dealing with a lingering injury ahead of the Week 16 contest. Star defensive end Myles Garrett (back) and defensive tackle Shelby Harris (elbow) were absent from Thursday's practice session. Martin Emerson, Cameron Mitchell, Cedric Tillman and Jameis Winston were merely limited participants.

How has David Njoku performed this season?

David Njoku is having a typically decent season, catching passes for the Browns. As Cleveland endures another tricky season, Njoku has been a security blanket for Deshaun Watson and now Jameis Winston.

Njoku has amassed a stat line of 56 catches, 439 receiving yards and five touchdowns in 10 games. He has also acted as a blocker for the Browns when called upon. Njoku's stats rank him as a solid replacement-level fantasy football tight end.

The Cleveland Browns enter Week 16 with one of the worst records in the National Football League. They're 3-11 and haven't recorded a win since their surprise Week 12 win over Mike Tomlin's Pittsburgh Steelers.

It's not going to get easier for Kevin Stefanski's team as it is up against a Cincinnati Bengals squad that is still in the playoff hunt, albeit only just in the race. The game will be played on the Bengals' home turf, so the Browns will need all the help they can muster against Joe Burrow and Co.