The Cleveland Browns face uncertainty regarding their top receiving threat ahead of Sunday’s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Rookie tight end Harold Fannin Jr. sustained a groin injury during Friday’s practice, raising concerns about his availability for the weekend matchup. Fannin currently leads the team in receptions, yards, and touchdowns, making his potential absence a significant setback for an offense that is already dealing with the loss of rookie running back Quinshon Judkins, who will miss the season due to a leg injury.
Despite the injury, Fannin has not been officially ruled out for Sunday’s game. The Browns plan to assess his condition throughout the weekend to make a final decision. His contributions have been vital, with 70 catches for 701 yards and five touchdowns this season. In a previous encounter with the Steelers in Week 6, Fannin delivered an impressive performance with seven catches for 81 yards on ten targets.
An update late on Friday indicated that Fannin is optimistic about playing, as he reported that he expects to be on the field against Pittsburgh. This news offers a glimmer of hope for Browns fans, especially as the team grapples with dwindling depth at the tight end position. Veteran tight end David Njoku is likely sidelined due to a knee injury, leaving the Browns with Blake Whiteheart and Brenden Bates as the only other tight ends on the roster. Collectively, the duo has only recorded two catches for four yards this season, putting additional pressure on the remaining offensive players.
Rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders will be making his sixth start, and in the event that Fannin cannot go, his primary targets will include wide receivers Jerry Jeudy, Isaiah Bond, and Malachi Corley. The Browns rank near the bottom in scoring offense, averaging less than 17 points per game with Sanders leading the charge.
The matchup is scheduled to kick off at 1 PM EST on Sunday, with Fannin’s status likely to be determined shortly before the game, when inactive lists are posted 90 minutes prior to kickoff. The Browns’ decisions leading up to game time may provide more clarity on Fannin’s role and the overall strategy for facing the Steelers.