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As the 2026 NFL season enters its ninth week, the Cleveland Browns are managing several injuries. One notable name on the team's injury report before their Week 9 game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome is tight end Harold Fannin Jr.
The second-year player has been arguably Cleveland's most important downfield weapon this season, but the team may have to play without him in New Orleans. Fannin, a product of Bowling Green, appeared on the Browns' injury report on Thursday with a lower-body issue, though he was able to practice in a limited capacity.
According to Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN, who shared the update on X (formerly Twitter), Fannin was added to the injury report and limited with a groin injury. A groin injury prematurely ended his rookie season and kept him sidelined for much of the offseason workout program.
While this may simply be maintenance on the part of the Browns, it is still a reasonable cause for concern that Fannin is on the injury report this close to the road matchup against Tyler Shough and the Saints. Fannin still has a chance to practice in full and remove any doubts about his status for Sunday's game, so his situation is worth monitoring, especially given his importance to the Browns' attack.
A third-round pick by the Browns in the 2025 NFL Draft, Fannin leads the team this season with 411 receiving yards and three touchdowns on 35 receptions and 51 targets through eight games.
Key Analysis
Fannin's presence on the injury report is a significant development for the Browns, as he has emerged as their top receiving threat. His potential absence would force Cleveland to rely on other options in the passing game. The team will monitor his practice participation closely to determine his availability for Sunday's game.
Originally reported by yahoo.