CLEVELAND, OH - NOVEMBER 30: Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku 85 takes the field prior to the National Football League game between the San Francisco 49ers and Cleveland Browns on November 30, 2025, at Huntington Bank Field in Cleveland, OH. Photo by Frank Jansky/Icon Sportswire NFL, American Football Herren, USA NOV 30 49ers at Browns EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon251130126
CLEVELAND, OH - NOVEMBER 30: Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku 85 takes the field prior to the National Football League game between the San Francisco 49ers and Cleveland Browns on November 30, 2025, at Huntington Bank Field in Cleveland, OH. Photo by Frank Jansky/Icon Sportswire NFL, American Football Herren, USA NOV 30 49ers at Browns EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon251130126
Jan 4, 2026, 3:33 PM CUT
Browns Address David Njoku’s Future After Ruling Him Out for Week 18
Among the key players who are missing in action against the Bengals is David Njoku. The 29-year-old tight end is out due to injured knees and has been benched since Week 14.
In a press conference before the practice for the season finale, head coach Kevin Stefanski was asked about how unfortunate his injuries were, to which Stefanski answered, saying he was upset.
“Yeah, disappointed for Dave. It’s part of the game, obviously, sometimes, you’re unable to go because of your body, and he’ll work real hard to get as healthy as he can get.
“But yes, disappointing for him. That’s unfortunate,” he said.
Credit: IMAGO/Dan Anderson
Credit: IMAGO/Dan Anderson
Stefankski Thinks Highly of Njoku
Njoku is valuable to Stefanski and the team, the head coach opened up. He stated that they moved their initial miscommunication for Njoku to become an important voice in the team.
“He and I have a very unique relationship. He thinks I didn’t like him when I first got here, which is not true. I just told him the truth, and he didn’t like that,” Stefanski said.
“But to watch him mature and become a leader, the energy he brings in the building, the unbelievable plays that he’s made over the years. … I think the world of the person. Obviously disappointed for this season and the injuries, but I think very highly of the person.”
In this season, Njoku has made 33 receptions for 293 yards and scored four touchdowns. While this scoreboard doesn’t look great before his free agency begins, Njoku is not bothered.
While there were talks of his trade, Njoku and the Browns have clarified that he is here to stay. While he has not denied the possibility, as he states, “This is the NFL, man, you know what I mean?" he has also vouched, "But I’m in Cleveland, baby. I’m not going nowhere. I ain’t leaving. Yeah. Get that on camera.”
While Njoku will be with the Browns, he won’t be playing for them in this game. After sustaining the injury to make a 1-yard touchdown in the second quarter against the Tennessee Titans, Njuko has been benched.
His primary focus is to recover with rookies Harold Fannin Jr. and Carson Schwesinger, who are also out because of ankle and groin injuries, respectively.
Written by
Akanksha Biradar
Edited by
Joyita Das