CLEVELAND — Editor's note: the video in the player above is from Dec. 9, 2020.
When the Cleveland Browns take the field for their matchup with the Baltimore Ravens on Monday Night Football, they'll be without one of their top pass catchers, with tight end Austin Hooper inactive for the contest due to a neck injury.
Now in his first season with the Browns after signing what was the richest tight end contract in football, Hooper suffered the undisclosed injury late last week. In 10 games this season, the Stanford product has tallied 30 receptions for 286 yards and two touchdowns.
On Friday, Cleveland head coach Kevin Stefanski said that Hooper's injury wasn't serious and that he was truly questionable for Monday night's matchup.
“Not ideal, but like you said, we have been here before," Stefanski said, noting that Hooper missed two games earlier this year due to an emergency appendectomy. "We will just make sure if we do not have Hoop, we have guys that are ready to go. If we do have him, we are full speed ahead."
Without Hooper in the lineup, rookie Harrison Bryant is listed as Cleveland's starting tight end, with David Njoku and Stephen Carlson also possessing the potential to play expanded roles in the Browns' passing game. Additionally, cornerback Denzel Ward will miss his third consecutive game due to a calf strain.
Cleveland's full list of inactives is as follows:
- WR KhaDarel Hodge
- WR Marvin Hall
- CB Denzel Ward
- S Tedric Thompson
- TE Austin Hooper
- DE Joe Jackson
Laying claim to a 9-3 record, the Browns are looking to solidify their status as the AFC Wild Card frontrunner, while also gaining a game on the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC North. Meanwhile, the 7-5 Ravens are fighting for their postseason life, having already been eliminated in the AFC North race.
For all the latest from FirstEnergy Stadium on Monday night, follow our live blog.