Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku arrives at game in beige mask before donning a balaclava to warm up after suffering burn injuries to his face this week… but still suits up to play
- Njoku suffered the burns after an accident at home while lighting a fire pit
- The 27-year-old managed to get on the field in Cleveland’s 28-3 loss to Baltimore
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Browns tight end David Njoku came to Sunday’s game wearing a beige mask before donning a balaclava during warmups, as he expects to play this weekend, just days after suffering burns to his face.
The 27-year-old was listed as questionable ahead of Cleveland’s Week 4 game against the Ravens at home following reports that he suffered burns to his face and arm in an accident at home while lighting a fire pit.
However, Njoku reassured Browns fans on X on Saturday: “The meat is soft. See you tomorrow #DawgPound.”
It was not immediately known when the accident occurred or the severity of Njoku’s injuries. He arrived at FirstEnergy Stadium wearing a beige jacket that matched the color of his mask. It covered his entire neck and face, except his eyes.
Earlier this week, his agent Malki Kawa shared on social media that Njoku “is fine” and thanked “everyone for the help.”
David Njoku appeared wearing a mask at FirstEnergy Stadium ahead of the Browns’ game on Sunday
Njoku also wore a balaclava to cover burns on his face while warming up prior to the 28-3 loss
Njoku suffered burns to his face after trying to light a fire pit in his backyard in Cleveland this week
Njoku, who is in his seventh season with Cleveland, has 10 catches for 92 yards this season. He’s a solid blocker, and coach Kevin Stefanski noted earlier this week that Njoku has been a key contributor on several big plays through three games.
“He’s already made a huge impact on us,” Stefanski said. ‘He knows very well why we are successful. He gets a lot of attention from the defense in the passing game. He does a great job in the run game.
‘I can think back to a few actions in recent weeks that were only successful because he was in attack. So he’s a very, very complete tight end.”
Njoku’s injury further complicated matters for the Browns (2-2), who also did not start quarterback Deshaun Watson against the Ravens.
Njoku managed to get on the field Sunday after telling Browns fans he expects to play
Watson was limited in training this week due to a shoulder injury and was also listed as questionable.
Rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson, a fifth-round pick out of UCLA, made his first NFL start and completed 19 of 26 passes for 121 yards and no touchdowns, in a 28–3 loss. He also threw for three interceptions.
On the other hand, Ravens QB Lamar Jackson had a 78 percent success rate after going 15 of 19 for 187 yards and two touchdowns.
The Ravens are now 3-1 after this weekend.