Browns rule out TE David Njoku, RB Pierre Strong vs. Giants

Field Level Media|published: Fri 20th September, 14:57 2024

Sep 8, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku (85) falls while running the ball under coverage by Dallas Cowboys cornerback Trevon Diggs (7) during the first quarter at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images

The Cleveland Browns on Friday ruled out tight end David Njoku and running back Pierre Strong for Sunday's home game against the New York Giants.

Njoku has missed practice all week because of an ankle injury sustained in Week 1, while Strong sat out practices Wednesday and Thursday after injuring his hamstring in the third quarter of last week's game at Jacksonville.

A 2023 Pro Bowl selection, Njoku had four catches for 44 yards in the season-opening 33-17 loss to the visiting Dallas Cowboys on Sept. 8.

Njoku, 28, has 291 career receptions for 3,308 yards and 25 touchdowns in 96 games (67 starts) since the Browns selected him 29th overall in the 2017 NFL Draft out of Miami.

Strong rushed one time for minus-5 yards in the 18-13 victory over the Jaguars last Sunday. He had two carries for 10 yards against Dallas.

New England drafted Strong in the fourth round in 2022 and he played in 15 games for the Patriots before they traded him in 2023 to the Browns. In 34 career games (one start), Strong has 76 carries for 396 yards and two touchdowns, and 15 receptions for 119 yards.

Browns right tackle Jack Conklin and left tackle Jedrick Wills Jr. are questionable for Sunday after missing the first two weeks with knee issues. Conklin was a full participant on Wednesday and Thursday, while Wills was limited on both days.

Head coach Kevin Stefanski said heading into practice Friday that they will be evaluated throughout the weekend to see if they can play on game day.

--Field Level Media

Latest