Former Chiefs tight end gets tryout with Cleveland Browns after David Njoku injury

The Cleveland Browns lost a significant weapon on offense in Week 1 when David Njoku was sidelined by an ankle injury and forced to sit out the rest of the team's loss to the Dallas Cowboys in Week 1. Now that further updates have confirmed Njoku will miss even more games, the Browns are on the lookout for some external help at the tight end position.

On Tuesday, NFL reporter Jeremy Fowler noted that the Browns are bringing in a few free agent tight ends to try out for the team. It's a group that includes former Kansas City Chiefs TE Irv Smith.

It's uncertain at this time how long Njoku will be out, but he's termed as "week-to-week" and it's a safe bet that he'll miss at least Week 2 and possibly several more depending on the severity of the sprain. Last season, Njoku had 88 catches for 882 yards and 6 touchdowns for the Browns, so his absence is going to alter the team's game plan going forward.

The Browns are looking for more offensive help after watching Njoku go down in Week 1.

As for internal replacements, Jordan Akins will slip into the starting role while the Browns also have Cameron Latu and Blake Whiteheart on the practice squad.

As for Smith, who Fowler notes is competing with Geoff Swaim and Tommy Sweeney, the veteran tight end made a solid showing in Chiefs training camp for himself. However, there were simply too many competitors at the position, especially with his hands as his best asset. The Chiefs traded for a young blocker in Peyton Hendershot in order to complement the likes of Travis Kelce, Noah Gray, and rookie Jared Wiley.

Smith profiles as a sixth-year tight end in the NFL who was once the No. 50 overall selection in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft by the Minnesota Vikings. He spent the 2023 season with the Cincinnati Bengals before signing with the Chiefs early last spring.

Smith has 109 catches for 973 yards and 10 touchdowns through five seasons.