The Cleveland Browns have moved swiftly to address a major setback in their tight end corps, signing veteran Geoff Swaim to their practice squad following news that David Njoku is likely to miss multiple games due to an ankle injury.
Swaim Steps In
The Browns announced the addition of Swaim, a seasoned tight end with a decade of NFL experience, to their practice squad on Tuesday, September 10. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler broke the news on X (formerly Twitter), noting that Swaim’s signing provides crucial depth and insurance for a Browns team reeling from Njoku’s injury.
“#Browns are signing veteran tight end Geoff Swaim to the practice squad, per source,” Fowler tweeted. “Insurance for Cleveland’s depleted TE room.”
With 100 career NFL games and 65 starts under his belt, Swaim brings a wealth of experience to the Browns. His career highlights include notable seasons with the Dallas Cowboys in 2018, where he caught 26 passes for 242 yards and one touchdown, and with the Tennessee Titans in 2021, when he set personal bests with 31 catches, 210 yards, and three touchdowns.
Njoku’s Injury Impact
David Njoku’s ankle injury, suffered during the Browns’ season opener against the Dallas Cowboys, is expected to sideline him for at least a couple of games. Njoku was seen leaving the field in a walking boot, raising concerns about the severity of the injury. Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com reported on Monday that the tight end’s absence will be a significant blow to the Browns’ offensive plans.
In Njoku’s absence, Jordan Akins is likely to step into a more prominent role. Akins, who joined the Browns in 2023, has 18 catches for 159 yards over the past season. The team also has tight ends Blake Whiteheart and Cameron Latu on the practice squad, both of whom could be elevated to the active roster to provide additional depth.
Potential QB Shake-Up?
Njoku’s injury comes at a time when the Browns are already struggling offensively. Quarterback Deshaun Watson had a rough outing against the Cowboys, throwing for just 169 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions. This performance has intensified calls for a potential quarterback change.
Former NFL quarterback and analyst Dan Orlovsky suggested that the Browns might need to consider turning to backup Jameis Winston. “Quarterback is a problem in Cleveland,” Orlovsky stated on ESPN’s “Get Up.” “And if I was [head coach] Kevin Stefanski, I’d be thinking long and hard about Jameis Winston and moving him to be my starting quarterback.”
Winston, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, has accumulated over 22,000 passing yards, 141 touchdowns, and 99 interceptions throughout his career. His experience could provide a much-needed spark for the Browns if they decide to make a switch.
As the Browns prepare for their next game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, they will need to navigate Njoku’s absence and potential offensive adjustments to turn their season around.
