Browns TE Austin Hooper didn't practice on Wednesday. He seems unlikely to play against the Raiders this weekend after undergoing an appendectomy last Friday. With Hooper out last week, TE Harrison Bryant saw 5 targets and TE David Njoku 3.

The Browns website reports that rookie TE Harrison Bryant will start in Austin Hooper's absence against the Bengals today. That points to him likely getting more snaps than veteran David Njoku. Keep the situation in mind if you're reaching way down the list for a TE replacement this week.

Browns TE Austin Hooper missed practice on Friday with an illness and has been ruled out for this weekend's game against the Bengals. Hooper doesn't have COVID, but teams aren't taking any chances with sick guys this season. Hooper's absence leaves Cleveland with TEs David Njoku and rookie Harrison Bryant. In their 3 games together this year, Njoku has 7 targets to Bryant's 5 but Bryant has run 34 pass routes to Njoku's 28. Expect these guys to share pass-catching duties this weekend, leaving them both as TE2 fliers.

Update: HC Kevin Stefanski announced that Hooper has appendicitis and is having surgery today. We'll see if he can make it back for Week 8.

Browns TE David Njoku (knee) will be activated from IR and return for Sunday’s game against the Colts. Njoku posted a 3-50-1 line on 3 targets back in Week 1. He’s not a bankable fantasy play this week but puts a significant dent in TE Austin Hooper’s stock.

The Browns have placed TE David Njoku on IR with a knee injury. He's out for at least the next 3 weeks. Njoku played 23% of the offensive snaps and saw 3 targets in the opener, so his absence is a slight boost for TE Austin Hooper.

Browns TE David Njoku has requested a trade, ESPN's Adam Schefter reports. We're frankly surprised it took this long after Cleveland handed TE Austin Hooper a big 4-year, $44 million deal in free agency (and added Florida Atlantic TE Harrison Bryant in the 4th round of this spring's draft). Njoku's 2019 campaign was ruined by a broken wrist in September. But the former 1st-round pick turns just 24 later this month and compiled 88 catches, 1,025 yards and 8 TDs over his first 2 NFL seasons. He should garner plenty of interest on the trade market. Now might be a good time to buy Njoku in your dynasty leagues.

The Browns selected Florida Atlantic TE Harrison Bryant in the 4th round of the 2020 NFL Draft. Bryant improved his numbers each year at Florida Atlantic, culminating in a big 65-1,004-7 line in 2019. He faced lower-level competition for the most part — but he did catch 6 balls for 79 yards vs. Ohio State this past season. That game included a nice grab when lined up outside against 1st-round Lions CB Jeff Okudah. Bryant’s 3.04 yards per route run in 2019 was best among 18 of this year’s top TE prospects. He’s also considered a solid blocker. Bryant disappointed at the Combine with a 15th percentile SPARQ score but looks more athletic on tape. This is a rough landing spot, though, after Cleveland just handed TE Austin Hooper a big contract in free agency. TE David Njoku is also still on the roster, but perhaps he’s on the outs.

The Browns are set to hire Kevin Stefanski as their new HC. Stefanski has spent the past 14 seasons in Minnesota under multiple coaching staffs. He took over as interim OC late in the 2018 campaign and was named OC for 2019. The Vikings ranked 16th in total yards, 10th in yards per play and 8th in points this past year. They were the league's 3rd run-heaviest offense -- although assistant coach Gary Kubiak seemingly had a lot to do with that. We'll keep an eye on Stefanski's plans for a Browns offense loaded with talent.

Browns TE David Njoku is a healthy scratch for the 2nd straight game today. It's been a lost season for the 23-year-old.

Browns TE David Njoku is inactive for today's game against the Cardinals. It's a "coach’s decision," according to insider Mary Kay Cabot. Njoku misses a prime matchup vs. the league's worst TE defense. If you're desperate for a replacement, Demetrius Harris is the best bet among Cleveland TEs.

Browns TE David Njoku (wrist) is officially active and in the starting lineup for today's game against the Bengals. He’s just a fantasy flier in his 1st action since Week 2. But an encouraging outing today will make Njoku a strong option in next week’s dream spot against the Cardinals.

The Browns have activated TE David Njoku from IR, making him eligible to play in Sunday’s game against the Bengals. It’s an upside spot, but it’s tough to know how much action Njoku will be ready for. He’s a risk/reward fantasy play for Week 14

Browns TE David Njoku (wrist) is expected to be activated from IR and play against the Bengals this weekend. We'd try not to use him in his 1st action since Week 2. But Njoku is worth stashing for next week's matchup vs. the Cardinals' league-worst TE defense.

Browns TE David Njoku (wrist) won't play against the Steelers on Sunday. Njoku believes he's ready to go, but the coaching staff evidently isn't ready to throw him back out there yet. Fantasy owners should be hoping Njoku plays in Weeks 14 and 15 against the Bengals and Cardinals.

Browns HC Freddie Kitchens said Friday afternoon that TE David Njoku (wrist) won't play against the Dolphins this weekend. Njoku returned to practice this week but evidently isn't ready for game action yet. He remains a nice stash with an eye toward Week 14 and 15 matchups against the Bengals and Cardinals.

Browns TE David Njoku is expected to play against the Dolphins on Sunday, according to Cleveland.com's Ellis Williams. Njoku was activated from IR this week after breaking his wrist in Week 2. He posted a 4-37-1 line back in Week 1, but it's unclear how big a role he'll play in his 1st game back. It leaves Njoku as a risky Week 12 fantasy play -- although he's certainly an option at the razor-thin TE position.

Browns TE David Njoku (wrist) has been activated from IR and will practice on Wednesday, according to insider Mary Kay Cabot. Njoku is eligible to play against the Dolphins this weekend, although it's still unclear if he will. He posted a 4-37-1 line in his only full game of the season back in Week 1 and could quickly re-enter the TE1 conversation. Njoku has plus matchups in Week 14 vs. the Bengals and Week 15 vs. the Cardinals.

Browns TE David Njoku has been placed on IR with his broken wrist. That knocks him out for at least the next 8 weeks. Njoku can be dropped in fantasy leagues without an IR spot. Demetrius Harris should get the 1st shot to step in as Cleveland's lead pass-catching TE and is at least worth an add in FFPC leagues. TE Ricky Seals-Jones is also on the Browns' roster.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that Browns TE David Njoku is dealing with more than just a concussion. He also suffered a wrist injury that might require surgery. Njoku is reportedly collecting medical opinions now before deciding his next step. At the least, we should expect him to miss Week 3. And you should start looking into longer-term options if Njoku is your guy.

Update: Insider Mary Kay Cabot reports that Njoku has a broken wrist. We're still waiting for a rehab timeline, but he'll miss multiple games. That leaves Demetrius Harris, who goes 6'7 and 235 pounds with 4.5 speed, as Cleveland's top TE. He's an intriguing add in deep and TE-premium fantasy leagues.