NFL players have been known to arrive at the stadium on gameday in eye-catching outfits, and David Njoku certainly fit that bill Sunday.
The Browns tight end came to work against the Ravens wearing a tan fur trench coat and flesh-colored mask that covered his entire head aside from holes for his eyes.
Though it’s the first day of the month that ends in Halloween, Njoku wasn’t simply playing dress-up ahead of the Week 4 game.
Browns TE David Njoku, who suffered facial burns this weekend arrives at Browns Stadium in a full on mask.#Browns pic.twitter.com/6uOVE1SB3r
— Hayden Grove (@H_Grove) October 1, 2023
Once the Browns got on the field to warm up, Njoku switched to a black mask that still obscured most of his face.
The Sporting News explains the reason behind Njoku’s unusual pregame look and updates his status for Sunday’s game.
MORE: Week 4 fantasy football live updates
What happened to David Njoku?
David Njoku suffered burns to his face and arm Friday while lighting a fire pit at his home. According to Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com, Njoku did not have to go to the hospital but was checked out by team doctors.
The team listed him as questionable on its final injury report, but Njoku posted an encouraging message to social media Saturday.
The flesh is weak. See u tomorrow #DawgPound
— Chief David Njoku (@David_Njoku80) September 30, 2023
His agent, Malki Kawa, wrote on X (formerly Twitter) Saturday: “Thank you everyone for reaching out, but David njoku is ok, thank God.”
Njoku has 10 catches for 92 yards this season on an injury-depleted Cleveland offense, and despite the last-minute scare, he will be active Sunday against the Ravens.
Cleveland Browns injury updates
A day after running back Nick Chubb underwent season-ending surgery to repair a torn knee ligament, Deshaun Watson is inactive for the Ravens game as he continues to recover from a right shoulder injury suffered in last week’s win over the Titans.
Dorian Thompson-Robinson is set to start at quarterback for Cleveland, with P.J. Walker called up from the practice squad to back him up.
The Browns also promoted tight end Zaire Mitchell-Paden on Saturday with Njoku’s status up in the air. Mitchell-Paden is inactive with Njoku cleared to play, but backups Harrison Bryant and Jordan Akins could see more action in Week 4.