Notes: David Njoku doesn't practice, 'truly day-to-day' with knee injury

BEREA — Tight end David Njoku didn't practice Wednesday because of a knee injury but made sure reporters noticed he was able to navigate his way through the locker room."I'm walking," he said.Dillon Gabriel recognizes small margin for error, says struggling offense has 'got to go take it' when chances comeNjoku left the 23-9 loss to the Steelers on Sunday in the fourth quarter. He was slow to get up two other times.The knee appeared to first get injured when it hyperextended in the second quarter when he was hit in the thigh by former teammate Juan Thornhill as he made a catch."Truly day-to-day," coach Kevin Stefanski said of Njoku's availability for this Sunday vs. the Dolphins. "We'll have to see how he feels tomorrow and the next day."Njoku is a key component of the offense, as a receiver and as a blocker in the run and pass games. He's played 77 percent of the snaps, including 67 of 70 two weeks ago in London. He has 23 catches for 223 yards and a touchdown."Dave's really good. We want him to play on our team, but we also want him healthy," quarterback Dillon Gabriel said."David, he's a big help in our group," receiver Jerry Jeudy said. "He's an important part of our offense when it comes to the run game and the passing game, so obviously we need him out there, so hopefully he recovers good and be back for this week or the following week."Zone Coverage PodcastRookie tight end Harold Fannin Jr. (28 catches, 254 yards, TD) is already playing a lot, and Blake Whiteheart would see more snaps if Njoku couldn't play.** Right tackle Jack Conklin and receiver Gage Larvadain didn't practice with concussions after leaving the Steelers game.** Defensive end Myles Garrett (elbow), receiver Jerry Jeudy (knee), defensive tackles Mike Hall Jr. (knee) and Shelby Harris (knee), left tackle Cam Robinson (knee), Whiteheart (shoulder), defensive end Joe Tryon-Shoyinka (hip), left guard Joel Bitonio (rest) and defensive tackle Maliek Collins (rest) were limited.WHAT NOISE?The criticism of Stefanski has grown louder among fans and some in the media."I don't listen to it. It's probably the easiest way," he said. "I grew up in Philly, I was a longtime listener of 610 WIP, so I understand the media role, and I understand that for our fans, it's an important part of our interest in this game. But I also know in my chair that I'm currently sitting in that you can't listen to that stuff."SIDE-BY-SIDECornerback Denzel Ward usually stays on one side of the field in coordinator Jim Schwartz's scheme, but Schwartz switched things up against the Steelers in cornerback Tyson Campbell's first game with the Browns after being acquired in a trade. Ward said he and Campbell alternated sides more often than Ward normally does and it was based on where Steelers receiver DK Metcalf lined up."I don't think it was a decision to put Tyson on DK more than me, but whatever the game plan is, I'm going out there, I'm going to execute the game plan," Ward said. "Every player on the team is capable of making a play, it's not just one player, but we're just executing what it is."Metcalf had four catches for 95 yards and a touchdown, with much of the production, including the 25-yard score, against Campbell.HIGH PRAISEStefanski talked to receiver David Bell on Tuesday as he announced his retirement. Bell, 24, cited an off-field injury that made it too risky for him to play.David Bell announces retirement due to off-field injury"He's a favorite of this building, he's a favorite of the coaches, of the staff," Stefanski said. "He's just a guy that, from the moment he got here, he always did it the right way. Super dependable."I think very highly of the person. He'll do great, whatever is next for him, but also just a guy that was fun to coach because he was just the consummate professional."OLD FRIENDStefanski avoided the question when asked if he'd be interested in bringing back former offensive line coach Bill Callahan. Brian Callahan was fired as coach of the Titans this week, and Bill left with him.The Browns allowed Bill Callahan to leave in 2024 to coach with his son."I hate to see that news down there in Tennessee. I talked to Brian, I have not talked to Bill," Stefanski said. "Obviously I think very highly of them, but I'm disappointed for them with that issue."Callahan received a lot of credit for the successful run game when he was with the Browns.EXTRA POINTSThe Browns have yet to open the practice window for quarterback Deshaun Watson (Achilles), who's on the physically unable to perform list."No real update there, other than he's doing a great job rehabbing, doing a good job at meetings," Stefanski said.** Players from the Browns and Steelers expressed "outrage" and concerns to the players union about the field conditions at Acrisure Stadium, ESPN reported. A spokesman said the NFL had been in touch with the Steelers and union and that the team will replace the grass field.** Tackle Thayer Munford Jr. was re-signed to the practice squad. He was inactive the last three games before being cut from the 53-man roster.He went to Massillon High School and Ohio State.The post Notes: David Njoku doesn't practice, 'truly day-to-day' with knee injury first appeared on BrownsZone with Scott Petrak.