The Cleveland Browns' offense is getting a huge change in Week 12 against the Las Vegas Raiders. Dillon Gabriel is dealing with a concussion, leaving Shedeur Sanders to start at quarterback for the first time since being drafted.
But the fifth-round rookie out of Colorado might not have the same cast of receivers and offensive weapons that Gabriel has had this season.
Underdog NFL shared a report from Kevin Stefanski that Browns tight end David Njoku is day-to-day with a knee issue, and he isn't expected to practice on Wednesday. This is some concerning news for Sanders, as he might be without a top target this week.
David Njoku's injury update is concerning news for Shedeur Sanders
If Njoku can't go, then Sanders will have one huge target missing from his offense during his first NFL start. Sanders had some connection with Njoku, completing his second pass attempt in the NFL to Njoku for seven yards.
But that was his lone target to Njoku until the final play of the game for Sanders and the Browns offense. While there wasn't an incredibly strong connection, Njoku is still a quality target for any quarterback.
Even if Njoku winds up playing, his missed practice is still a significant blow. Sanders is finally getting a chance to work with the first-team offense, and will not have Njoku to work with for at least one of his three weeks of practice.
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Sanders will still have some options, with Harold Fannin Jr. Taking over the tight end spot if Njoku misses the Week 12 contest. Jerry Jeduy, Cedric Tillman, Isiah Bond, and running backs Quinshon Judkins, Dylan Sampson, and Jerome Ford should all be good to go.
Njoku has 30 receptions for 288 yards and three touchdowns this season, good for the third most yards and targets and the most touchdowns among all Browns receivers this season.
Losing a player like Njoku would hurt any offense, but for Sanders in his first NFL start, it's a concerning injury to follow. Njoku isn't ruled out for Week 12, but this injury is one to closely monitor throughout the week.
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