The Browns had some bad news on the injury front on Friday. Starting tight end Austin Hooper sat out the practice session with a neck injury.
Hooper had not been on the injury report earlier in the week, so his absence was a surprise. The Browns have not offered any details on the source or nature of the injury. Hooper has emerged as the second-leading receiver on the Browns with 30 receptions on the season.
With the team playing Monday night against the Baltimore Ravens, the final official injury report is not completed until after Saturday’s session.
Cornerback Denzel Ward and wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge were also idle on Friday with their ongoing injuries. Both Ward and Hodge are “progressing” towards playing according to head coach Kevin Stefanski but will need to get at least some practice in before the game to be active.
If Hooper’s injury keeps him out, expect more of David Njoku and Stephen Carlson in the lineup, with rookie Harrison Bryant bumping up to the No. 1 TE role.
