The Cleveland Browns suffered numerous injuries in their latest preseason game when they hosted the Minnesota Vikings. Among these injuries was the standout fullback and tight end, Giovanni Ricci, who suffered a knee injury. This leaves the Browns questioning how long Ricci will be out and who will backup David Njoku as we approach Week 1 of the regular season.
One of the players who will find more playing time opportunities is second-year tight end Jordan Akins. The former Houston Texan teammate of Deshaun Watson is now in the second and last year of his $3.9 million contract and provided meaningful playing time last season with 15 catches and 132 yards. Another highly touted candidate to step up in Ricci’s spot is promising young tight end Zaire Mitchell-Paden.
The former Florida Atlantic Owl did not provide any regular season stats in his rookie season but has shown exciting potential in his first two preseason showings. On Saturday’s showing against the Vikings, he caught all four of his targets for 59 yards. This led the team in both receptions and yards.
The Browns still await the official word on the extent of Ricci’s injury but hope to have him back sooner rather than later. As for the tight end, Njoku will still need someone to help take some of the reps this season.