Besides the Cleveland Browns going into the final game of their season with a 4-12 record, the finale just got tougher. Rookie QB Shedeur Sanders will face the Bengals without his top target.

In the recently released injury reports by the Browns, rookie wide receiver Harold Fannin Jr. has been ruled out against Cincinnati. He suffered a groin injury during the preparation for their game against the Steelers. 

Although he ended up playing against Pittsburgh, Fannin Jr. re-aggravated the injury while completing a touchdown catch from Sanders. Sadly, that was his last play this season.

"Harold’s a big part of what we do. Obviously made a brilliant play there right before he got injured, and there’s a lot of confidence in throwing the ball to Harold for Shedeur," Browns’ offensive coordinator Tommy Rees explained in the press conference.

"I think one thing our guys have done a really nice job of is having that next man up mentality and being ready to play when the number’s called," he added. 

The 21-year-old wide receiver has been a revelation for the Browns. In 16 games, he has scored 6 touchdowns for 731 receiving yards. Not only that, but Fannin Jr. has also scored 1 rushing touchdown for 13 yards. Unfortunately, that's not the only bad news.

More important players are out of the Bengals' game 

While the Browns will feel Fannin Jr.'s absence in the passing game, he isn't the only player sidelined.

Tight End David Njoku has been ruled out against the Bengals as well. In a tough 31-29 loss against the Titans in Week 14, he suffered a knee injury and hasn’t played a game since. This season, Njoku has scored 4 touchdowns for 293 receiving yards. 

Despite consecutive disappointing seasons, the veteran tight end dismissed questions about leaving the Browns. “Of course, it’s always a possibility,” Njoku said. “This is the NFL, man, you know what I mean? But I’m in Cleveland, baby. I’m not going nowhere. I ain’t leaving. Yeah. Get that on camera.”

Another rookie linebacker, Carson Schwesinger, has also been ruled out of Cleveland’s final game. He garnered a lot of praise, battling through a leg injury against the Steelers. However, the Browns listed him out with a quadriceps/ankle injury.

The Browns’ defensive coordinator, Jim Schwartz, was full of praise for him. “He’s been a good leader for us. He’s increased that as the season’s gone on, and I look forward to seeing him even take greater strides as a player. Really, a cement block for our defense, and I think Defensive Rookie of the Year.”

Joe Burrow and the Bengals are coming off a huge 37-14 win over the Cardinals last week. Will the Browns be able to finish a season with a win? Let us know your opinions in the comments!

Written by

Kalp Thaker

Edited by

Sagnik Bagchi