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Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku burned on face, arm in home accident while lighting fire pit

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Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved

Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku warms up before an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans, Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/David Richard)

CLEVELAND – Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku suffered burns to his face and arm in an accident at home while lighting a fire pit.

Njoku was added to the injury report on Saturday and listed as questionable for Sunday's home game against the Baltimore Ravens.

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“The flesh is weak,” Njoku wrote on social media. “See u tomorrow #DawgPound.”

It's not immediately known when the accident took place or the severity of Njoku's injuries. However, his agent Malki Kawa, posted on social media that the 27-year-old tight end “is OK.” Kawa thanked “everyone for reaching out.”

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 major contributor on several big plays through three games.

"He’s made a huge impact for us already,” Stefanski said. “He’s very close to why we’re having success. He gets a ton of attention from defenses in the pass game. He does a great job competing in the run game.

"I can think back to a few plays in the last few weeks that are only having success because he’s at the point of attack. So he’s a very, very complete tight end.”

Njoku's injury further complicates things for the Browns (2-1), who could be without starting quarterback Deshaun Watson against the Ravens. Watson was limited in practice this week with a shoulder injury and is also questionable.

If Watson can't play, rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson, a fifth-round pick from UCLA, will make his first NFL start. Thompson-Robinson, who had a strong training camp and preseason, took the majority of snaps with Cleveland's starting offense this week.

The Browns elevated tight end Zaire Mitchell-Paden from the practice squad in case Njoku is inactive.

Quarterback P.J. Walker was also brought up from the practice squad as insurance for Watson's situation.

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