Cleveland Browns News

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Shedeur Sanders • QB • Browns

Shedeur Sanders "Still Very Much a Work in Progress"

The Cleveland Browns liked what they saw from rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders in his first year in the NFL, but they also acknowledged that he has plenty to work on going into 2026, according to Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN. "He's still very much a work in progress, like many people," general manager Andrew Berry said. The 23-year-old fifth-rounder didn't make his NFL debut until Week 11 after fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel suffered a concussion. Sanders took over as the starter, though, and started the final seven games for Cleveland. He had his ups and downs, completing 59.2% of his passes for 1,353 yards, seven touchdowns, and nine interceptions while running for 153 yards and another score. Sanders showed enough athleticism and arm strength to at least put himself in the competition for the starting gig going into next season, where he's expected to compete with Deshaun Watson (Achilles) and Gabriel.

3 days ago

Deshaun Watson • QB • Browns

Browns Expect Deshaun Watson to be on the Team Next Year

The Cleveland Browns currently expect quarterback Deshaun Watson (Achilles) to be on the team next year, according to Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN. "I can never predict the future, but right now we do anticipate him being on the 2026 team," general manager Andrew Berry said about Watson's status. Watson tore his right Achilles tendon in October of 2024 and re-ruptured the tendon and required a second surgery on Jan. 9 of 2025. The 30-year-old veteran stayed on the Physically Unable to Perform list all season, but if he can return to full health this year, he's expected to compete for the starting QB job this summer with Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel. Watson will be entering the final year of his five-year, $230 million deal in 2026. He'll be a huge question mark going into next season, but despite the investment the Browns still have in him, he's not guaranteed to win the starting job.

3 days ago

David Njoku • TE • Browns

David Njoku Wants to Re-Sign with Browns

Following Sunday's Week 18 win, Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku said that he wants to re-sign with the team during the upcoming offseason. However, he acknowledges that it's not entirely his decision. When asked if he wanted to return to Cleveland, Njoku said, "I do, but it's not up to me." The 29-year-old missed the final four games of the regular season due to a knee injury, bringing his final 2025 stat line to just 33 catches, 293 yards, and four touchdowns. Statistically, it was his worst season since 2020, but he still made an impact as a blocker and receiver as the Browns' offense endured quarterback turmoil. For the first time in several years, Njoku also experienced major competition at the tight end position. Rookie tight end Harold Fannin Jr. emerged as one of Cleveland's top playmakers, and he figures to remain the Browns' top tight end for 2026. Therefore, if Njoku does re-sign with Cleveland, he'll likely take a pay cut to operate as the backup behind Fannin. He should have a competitive market in free agency with plenty of teams in need of tight end additions.

3 days ago

Myles Garrett • DE • Browns

Myles Garrett Breaks All-Time Single-Season Sack Record

Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett broke the NFL's all-time single-season sack record during Sunday's Week 18 win over the Cincinnati Bengals. Garrett took down Joe Burrow with less than six minutes left in the Browns' season to set the new record. His 23 sacks in 2025 officially vaulted him ahead of T.J. Watt (2021) and Michael Strahan (2001), who each amassed 22.5 sacks in their respective campaigns. Although the Browns' season didn't go according to plan, Garrett was an extremely encouraging bright spot on the defensive side of the ball once again. In addition to averaging more than 1.3 sacks per game, he finished the year with a total of 60 tackles and three forced fumbles. The 30-year-old superstar is in the driver's seat to win Defensive Player of the Year.

4 days ago

Denzel Ward • CB • Browns

Denzel Ward Ruled Out for Remainder of Week 18 with Neck Injury

Cleveland Browns cornerback Denzel Ward (neck) has been ruled out for the remainder of his team's Week 18 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals. Across 14 games this season entering the week, Ward has recorded 29 solo tackles, nine passes defensed, and one interception. The 28-year-old was named to his third straight Pro Bowl and fifth in eight career NFL seasons for his work in 2025. Without Ward on the field, life should be easier for Bengals wideouts Tee Higgins and Ja'Marr Chase for the remainder of Week 18. Cleveland will likely rely more heavily on cornerbacks Sam Webb and D'Angelo Ross with Ward sidelined.

4 days ago

Denzel Ward • CB • Browns

Denzel Ward Questionable To Return

The Cleveland Browns listed cornerback Denzel Ward (neck) as questionable to return to Sunday's game against the Cincinnati Bengals. The star corner picked up the injury in the first half and left the game. The Browns have nothing to play for in Week 18, so they may exercise caution with one of the foundational players on what has been an excellent defense again. Ward has 37 tackles and an interception on the season for Cleveland.

4 days ago

Dylan Sampson • RB • Browns

Dylan Sampson Has Flex Appeal in Favorable Week 18 Matchup

Cleveland Browns running back Dylan Sampson returned from calf and hand injuries that sidelined him for two games in Week 17 and recorded 27 yards from scrimmage on 14 touches against the Pittsburgh Steelers. With Browns running back Quinshon Judkins (leg, ankle) on Injured Reserve, Sampson should have a chance to lead his team's backfield once again in Week 18 against the Cincinnati Bengals. Cincinnati has been one of the NFL's worst rush defenses in 2025, ranking 30th in the league in yards per carry allowed (5.2) and 32nd in runs of 20 or more yards allowed (19). Sampson will likely split touches with Browns backs Raheim Sanders and Trayveon Williams in Week 18, which limits his ceiling. However, Sampson has recorded 10 receptions for 123 yards and a touchdown on 12 targets across his last four games, which provides a relatively safe PPR floor. Fantasy managers should view Sampson as a low-end flex option in Week 18 against Cincinnati.

5 days ago

David Njoku • TE • Browns

David Njoku Officially Out Against Bengals

Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku (knee) has officially been ruled out for the Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, according to Browns Zone's Scott Petrak. Njoku has not practiced or played since injuring his knee on a touchdown reception back in Week 14. The 29-year-old will finish his ninth year in the NFL with a disappointing 33 receptions for 293 yards and four touchdowns on 48 targets. Njoku just was unable to become fantasy relevant in most leagues due to the presence of rookie Harold Fannin Jr. (groin), who ended up being the team's leading receiver in 2025. Fannin will also sit out the season finale, leaving the Browns to mix and match at tight end this weekend with Blake Whiteheart, Brenden Bates, and Sal Cannella.

6 days ago

Harold Fannin Jr. • TE • Browns

Harold Fannin Jr. Ruled Out in Week 18

Cleveland Browns rookie tight end Harold Fannin Jr. (groin) has officially been ruled out for the Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday against the division-rival Cincinnati Bengals, according to Scott Petrak of Browns Zone. Fannin injured his groin on a touchdown reception in last week's upset win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. The 21-year-old was unable to practice all week and will miss the final game of what has been an exceptional first year in the NFL. Despite the presence of David Njoku (knee), who will also miss Week 18, Fannin led the Browns in catches (72), targets (107), receiving yards (731), and touchdowns (six). Fannin has a bright future ahead of him as a pass-catching TE, and he'll be on the TE1 radar in fantasy drafts in the fall. Blake Whiteheart, Brenden Bates, and Sal Cannella will form a TE committee for the Browns in Week 18.

6 days ago

David Njoku • TE • Browns

David Njoku Not Expected to Play Against Bengals

Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku (knee) is not practicing on Friday and is unlikely to play in the Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, according to Browns Zone's Scott Petrak. Rookie Harold Fannin Jr. (groin) also isn't expected to play this weekend, so the Browns will be down to Blake Whiteheart, Brenden Bates, and Sal Cannella at the tight end position. The 29-year-old Njoku's 2025 season will end on a low note after not practicing or playing since injuring his knee in Week 14. He became a lower-floor TE2 streamer in fantasy football this year thanks to the quick emergence of Fannin in his first year in the NFL. Njoku took a back seat to Fannin and will end up finishing his ninth year in the NFL with 33 catches (48 targets) for 293 yards and four touchdowns in 12 games.

6 days ago

Harold Fannin Jr. • TE • Browns

Harold Fannin Jr. Unlikely to Play in Week 18

Cleveland Browns rookie tight end Harold Fannin Jr. (groin) is not practicing on Friday and is unlikely to play in the Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday against the division-rival Cincinnati Bengals, according to Scott Petrak of Browns Zone. David Njoku (knee, personal) is also not expected to play this weekend for the Browns, leaving Blake Whiteheart, Brendan Bates, and Sal Cannella to fight for targets at the tight end position. Surprisingly, Fannin has been a top-five fantasy TE in his first year in the NFL with the Browns despite sharing the field with Njoku for most of the season. The third-rounder out of Bowling Green has a bright future in the NFL and will finish his first year with 72 receptions on 107 targets for 731 yards and six touchdowns in 16 games. Fannin goes into Week 18 leading the Browns in all major receiving categories.

6 days ago

Harold Fannin Jr. • TE • Browns

Browns Have Plenty of Belief in Harold Fannin Jr.

The Cleveland Browns have high hopes for the long-term trajectory of rookie tight end Harold Fannin Jr., according to Scott Petrak of Browns Zone. "I have all the belief in the world in him, can't wait to see what he does next year," tight ends coach Christian Jones said about Fannin. The 21-year-old third-rounder out of Bowling Green suffered a groin injury in last week's win over the Pittsburgh Steelers and may not play in the Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival Cincinnati Bengals this weekend, but he currently leads the team in catches (72), targets (107), receiving yards (731), and touchdowns (six) in his 16 games played. David Njoku (knee) is also likely to miss the season finale, which would leave the Browns with Blake Whiteheart and Brenden Bates at TE in Week 18. Going into next season, Fannin is going to be a highly sought-after TE1 in fantasy football drafts.

6 days ago

Raheim Sanders • RB • Browns

Raheim Sanders Limited By Backfield Committee in Cleveland

Cleveland Browns running back Raheim Sanders has seen an increased role in recent weeks after Browns RB1 Quinshon Judkins (leg, ankle) suffered season-ending lower leg injuries in Week 16. After Judkins went down, Sanders recorded 11 carries for 42 yards and looked like the team's lead back for the remainder of Week 16. However, Browns running back Dylan Sampson returned from calf and hand injuries in Week 17, cutting Sanders' usage. In Week 17, Sanders racked up just 21 yards rushing on eight carries. With Sampson functioning as Cleveland's primary receiving back and Trayveon Williams soaking up backfield work as well, the Browns appear to be operating with a full-on backfield committee. Even in a favorable matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals in Cleveland's regular-season finale on Sunday, Sanders carries limited upside. Fantasy managers are safe to avoid Sanders in Week 18.

6 days ago

David Njoku • TE • Browns

David Njoku Remains Sidelined on Thursday

Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku (knee) remained sidelined from his team's practice on Thursday, per ESPN's Daniel Oyefusi. Njoku has not played since suffering a knee injury in Week 14 and may be at risk of missing his fourth straight game in Week 18 against the Cincinnati Bengals. Across 12 games this season, the 29-year-old has recorded 33 catches for 293 yards and four touchdowns on 48 targets. Fellow Browns tight end Harold Fannin Jr. (groin) has also yet to practice this week as he battles a groin injury, so Cleveland could be without its top two players at the position on Sunday. If both Njoku and Fannin Jr. are unable to go, Browns tight ends Blake Whiteheart, Brenden Bates, and Sal Cannella would likely share playing time in Week 18 against the Bengals.

7 days ago

Harold Fannin Jr. • TE • Browns

Harold Fannin Jr. Misses Second Straight Practice on Thursday

Cleveland Browns tight end Harold Fannin Jr. (groin) missed his second straight practice on Thursday, per ESPN's Daniel Oyefusi. Fannin Jr. exited early from Cleveland's Week 17 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers after re-aggravating a lingering groin injury. The 21-year-old could be trending towards sitting out the Browns' Week 18 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals. Fannin Jr. has been arguably the most reliable pass-catcher in Cleveland so far this season, recording 72 catches for 731 yards and six touchdowns on 107 targets across 16 games played. Fellow Browns tight end David Njoku (knee) has also yet to practice this week, meaning the team may be without its top two tight ends on Sunday. If both Fannin Jr. and Njoku are inactive, Browns tight ends Blake Whiteheart, Brenden Bates, and Sal Cannella could all see an increase in playing time in Week 18.

7 days ago

David Njoku • TE • Browns

David Njoku Not Expected to Practice on Wednesday

Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku (knee, personal) is not expected to practice on Wednesday, per ESPN's Daniel Oyefusi. Njoku has not played since suffering a knee injury in Week 14, and he appears to be at risk of missing his fourth straight game in Week 18 against the Cincinnati Bengals. Across 12 games in 2025, the 29-year-old has hauled in 33 catches for 293 yards and four touchdowns on 48 targets. Browns tight end Harold Fannin Jr. (groin) is also expected to miss practice on Wednesday, so the team could be without its top two tight ends in Week 18. If both Njoku and Fannin Jr. are inactive, the Browns will likely split tight end snaps against Cincinnati between Blake Whiteheart, Brenden Bates, and Sal Cannella. Canella earned four targets in Cleveland's Week 17 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers, while Whiteheart and Bates were each targeted once.

Dec 31

Harold Fannin Jr. • TE • Browns

Harold Fannin Jr. Not Expected to Practice on Wednesday

Cleveland Browns tight end Harold Fannin Jr. (groin) is not expected to practice on Wednesday, per Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN. Fannin Jr. was forced to exit early from Cleveland's Week 17 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers after re-aggravating an existing groin injury. The 21-year-old rookie has recorded 72 catches for 731 yards and six touchdowns on 107 targets across 16 games this season. He's displayed growing chemistry with Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders, recording four touchdown catches across six games since Sanders took over as Cleveland's starter in Week 12. Fellow Browns tight end David Njoku (knee) has not played since Week 14 due to a knee injury and will also miss the team's practice on Wednesday, so Cleveland could be shorthanded at the position in Week 18 against the Cincinnati Bengals. If both Fannin Jr. and Njoku are unable to go, the Browns will likely split tight end reps between Blake Whiteheart, Brenden Bates, and Sal Cannella in Week 18.

Dec 31

Sal Cannella • TE • Browns

Sal Cannella to Serve as Browns Top TE in Week 18?

Cleveland Browns rookie tight end Sal Cannella made his NFL debut in last week's upset win over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday. Cannella only played 35% of the offensive snaps and caught two of his four targets for 11 receiving yards. The 29-year-old was pressed into action in Cleveland's offense with David Njoku (knee) missing another game, but it wasn't until rookie Harold Fanning Jr. left with a groin injury that Cannella started becoming involved. Cannella ended up leading all of Cleveland's TEs with four targets, and that could be the case again in the Week 18 regular-season finale this Sunday against the division-rival Cincinnati Bengals if both Njoku and Fannin aren't cleared to play in a meaningless game. Cannella will be a pretty big reach for fantasy managers in the final week of the season, but he's worth a look in TE-premium leagues with both Njoku and Fannin hurt.

Dec 31

Raheim Sanders • RB • Browns

Raheim Sanders Worth a Look on Week 18 Waiver Wires

Cleveland Browns undrafted rookie running back Raheim Sanders was a popular waiver wire add in Week 17, with Quinshon Judkins (leg, ankle) lost for the year and Dylan Sampson's status uncertain heading into a divisional matchup with the Steelers. Sampson was eventually cleared to play despite his hand injury, and neither rookie was able to do much in a 13-6 win. Approaching a Week 18 matchup with the Bengals with no playoff implications, we've reached the point in the year where many teams opt to see what they've got in some of their unproven rookies. Unfortunately, Sampson also fits into this category, so another frustrating split is entirely possible. However, if either back is given the majority of the work, Cincinnati has been the most generous defense to opposing running backs all season long, providing an opportunity for one final RB1 performance.

Dec 30

Carson Schwesinger • LB • Browns

Carson Schwesinger Played Through Thigh Injury in Week 17

Cleveland Browns linebacker Carson Schwesinger (thigh) played through a thigh injury in his team's Week 17 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers, per Chris Easterling of the Akron Beacon Journal. The rookie linebacker has started all 16 games for Cleveland so far this season, recording 67 solo tackles, 2.5 sacks, and two interceptions. Pro Football Focus grades Schwesinger as the 21st-best linebacker out of 86 qualified players at the position in 2025, so his presence on the field is key for the Cleveland defense. If Schwesinger remains limited by the injury in practice this week, there may not be much incentive for the 4-12 Browns to push him to play in Week 18 against the Cincinnati Bengals. Should Schwesinger be sidelined, Browns linebackers Jerome Baker and Easton Mascarenas-Arnold would both likely see more playing time against Cincinnati.

Dec 30

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