CLEVELAND, Ohio (92.3 The Fan) – Tight end David Njoku was back on the field running routes and catching passes Friday afternoon after being activated off the reserve/COVID-19 list.
The news wasn’t much of a surprise after Njoku posted on his verified Instagram account Wednesday that he was back.
“Of course, it was frustrating not being able to go out there with my teammates and my brothers,” Njoku said. “It is a sense of [being] powerless, but luckily, we got the job done last week, and we expect to get the job done again this weekend.”
Njoku remained asymptomatic throughout, which added to his frustration.
“I had no symptoms so I feel perfectly normal,” Njoku said.
Five more positive tests Thursday afternoon raised the team’s total to 23 players and coaches affected.
“Honestly, it is just mental toughness,” Njoku said. “There are going to be a lot of curve balls thrown at us, and we have seen that from start to finish the past couple of years. Every positive test is just an extra curve ball that we have to hit. Like I said, whatever the case may be, it is what it is, and we have to move forward and focus on Saturday.”
Tight end Stephen Carlson was also activated from reserve/COVID-19 Thursday.
Mullens up – The Browns elevated quarterback Nick Mullens from the practice squad as a COVID replacement and he is in line to start Saturday.
The move means that starter Baker Mayfield, who tested positive and was placed on reserve/COVID-19 on Wednesday, will likely not be available Saturday if he doesn't test negative in time.
Mullens was set to serve as veteran Case Keenum’s backup against the Raiders until Keenum tested positive Thursday afternoon following practice.
Other moves – Receiver Lawrence Cager was also signed to the active roster from the practice squad.
Cager was originally signed by the Jets as an undrafted free agent in 2020. He has appeared in three career games and has two receptions for 35 yards. This season, he was signed to the Browns’ practice squad on October 4, appearing in one game in a 13-10 win over the Lions in Week 11.
Cleveland also signed cornerback Brandon Allen and safety Tedric Thompson to the practice squad.
Way to Play – Browns cornerback Denzel Ward received the league’s weekly ‘Way to Play’ award for his textbook tackle with a minute to play on fourth down that sealed Cleveland’s 24-22 victory over Baltimore.
“Ward demonstrated proper tackling technique by keeping his head out and shoulder in as he tackled Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman. His play resulted in a two-yard completion short of the line to gain on a critical fourth-down game-winning stop.”
Each recipient of the Way to Play Award will receive a $2,500 equipment grant through USA Football to be awarded to the local youth or high school football program of the player's choice.
Injury report – OUT: RB Kareem Hunt (ankle), WR Anthony Schwartz (concussion), CB Greg Newsome II (concussion); QUESTIONABLE: TE Harrison Bryant (ankle) & DT Malik Jackson (knee); EXPECTED TO PLAY: DE Jadeveon Clowney (knee/rest), DE Myles Garrett (rest), LG Joel Bitonio (back), S Ronnie Harrison (ankle), J.C. Tretter (knee), LB Sione Takitaki (shoulder)
Up next – Browns host the Raiders Saturday at 4:30 p.m.
