David Njoku could be going thatta way, if his healthy scratch is any indication. (USAToday)
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GLENDALE, AZ
Editor’s note: Tony Grossi is an analyst on the Cleveland Browns for TheLandOnDemand.com and 850 ESPN Cleveland.
At this time of year, game-day roster decisions can be precursors to changes in the offseason.
With that in mind, the Browns made two interesting decisions prior to Sunday’s game against the Arizona Cardinals. They made tight end David Njoku a healthy scratch and promoted Kendall Lamm ahead of healthy Chris Hubbard as the starting right tackle.
Njoku had a rough return last week from an 11-week layoff due to a broken wrist suffered in Week 2.
Njoku failed to come down with a high pass in the middle of the field on the Browns’ first offensive possession. Bengals linebacker Nick Vigil wound up with possession of the ball after Njoku hit the ground on his back. It was originally ruled a fumble and recovery and later scored an interception.
Coaches criticized Njoku for not holding on to the ball.
After the game, Freddie Kitchens said, “We were not catching the ball, and when you hit the ground, your arms cannot relax so just because you think you have it, it does not mean your arms are relaxed when you hit the ground. The ball has to be the upmost of importance for everybody on the field. We have to protect it like it is our football because when we have it, it is our football.”
On Thursday, offensive coordinator Todd Monken said, “I am sure he thought he was down. In the end, make sure you come down with the football, and when the pile uncovers, you have it. An unfortunate situation for us because we were moving the ball. We were ready to start fast. We have started fast a number of weeks in a row with our first drive and it is unfortunate because we were.”
Njoku had only one reception for four yards on three targets in the game.
The healthy scratch is an ominous sign the Browns might not exercise Njoku’s fifth-year option of his rookie contract at the deadline in May. The fifth-year option for a tight end drafted in the second half of the first round is worth $6 million. This would apply to Njoku’s final year of his contract in 2021 – if he is on the roster in May.
Demetrius Harris started in Njoku’s place. The other tight ends active were Stephen Carlson and Ricky Seals-Jones.
In the case of Hubbard, he was limited throughout the practice week with a knee injury and was questionable on the final injury report of the week.
In Hubbard’s place against the Bengals, Kendall Lamm received positive reviews in his first appearance since a knee injury in the season opener.
It could be the beginning of the end for Hubbard, as the guarantees run out in his five-year, $36.5 million contract signed in 2018.
With left tackle Greg Robinson’s contract expiring after this season, it’s likely the Browns will have two new starting tackles in 2020. They could come from the draft and free agency.