BEREA, Ohio — The Cleveland Browns will be without three key players for their showdown with the Baltimore Ravens this Sunday at FirstEnergy Stadium.
Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski announced Friday that tight end David Njoku, punter Jamie Gillan, and linebacker Anthony Walker Jr. will all be out of action. All three were placed on the team's reserve/COVID-19 list earlier this week.
According to NFL rules, a player who is vaccinated for COVID-19 and tests positive is eligible to return after submitting two negative tests 24 hours apart, while unvaccinated players are subject to a minimum 10-day wait after testing positive.
Njoku's out of the Browns' lineup this weekend could prove significant for a Cleveland passing attack that has struggled throughout the 2021 season. Through the Browns' first 12 games, Njoku has been one of the rare bright spots, tallying 27 receptions for team-highs of 407 yards and three touchdowns -- including a 20-yard touchdown catch in Cleveland's 16-10 loss to Baltimore in Week 12. In addition to Njoku, the Browns are also expected to be without second-year tight end Harrison Bryant, who suffered a high ankle sprain in Cleveland's loss to the Ravens. That leaves Austin Hooper and practice squad signee Miller Forristall as the only healthy tight end currently on the Browns, who run more three-tight end formations than any other team in the NFL.
Meanwhile, the absence of Walker could loom large for a Cleveland defense looking to slow down Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson. Without Walker on the field, veteran Malcolm Smith could be in line for an increase in playing time. Second-year linebacker Jacob Phillips could also be in the mix, having been designated for return from injured reserve after missing the first 12 games of the season with a biceps injury.
Earlier on Friday, the Browns signed longtime veteran punter Dustin Colquitt to replace Gillan. Colquitt is currently in his 17th season out of the University of Tennessee. He was drafted by Kansas City in the third round of the 2005 NFL Draft and spent the first 15 years of his career with the franchise before moving on after the 2019 season. Colquitt has since spent time with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Jacksonville Jaguars and most recently the Atlanta Falcons.
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