Browns TE David Njoku ruled out for Week 7 home game vs Dolphins

Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku has been ruled out for Sunday’s Week 7 home game against the Miami Dolphins after failing to practice all week while recovering from a knee injury suffered in last Sunday’s 23-9 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. The team announced the absence on Friday; head coach Kevin Stefanski said Njoku will still be on the sideline to provide leadership while teammates fill his role on the field.

Njoku suffered a hit in the fourth quarter that hyperextended his knee, briefly returned, then left the game. He underwent an MRI the next day and, while initial scans suggested the injury was not season-threatening, his participation designation remained limited all week and the club decided he will not play Sunday. Njoku said he is “rehabbing very well” and expressed hope of returning for the Browns’ trip to New England next week, but the team gave no firm timetable beyond the Week 7 ruling.

The loss of Njoku removes one of Cleveland’s top receiving targets. The 29-year-old has 23 catches for 223 yards and one touchdown through six games this season and ranks among the team leaders in receptions. Stefanski called Njoku “a big part of this football team, on...