The Cleveland Browns entered their preseason finale against the Los Angeles Rams with a lot of attention. The team announced that Dillon Gabriel will serve as Joe Flacco's backup instead of Shedeur Sanders. Both got to play against the Los Angeles Rams on Saturday, but Flacco ran with Njoku and the rest of the starters. Unfortunately, Blake Whiteheart didn't finish the game.
Whiteheart took a rough hit against the Rams that knocked him out of the game. According to Browns reporter Scott Petrak, Cleveland ruled the tight end out for the rest of the game with a knee injury. Leaving the game early is a tough blow for Whiteheart, who is one of many players trying to make the Browns' 53-man roster by the start of the regular season.
Whiteheart has an outside chance of making the roster, but Cleveland currently has him as the third-string tight end. The 25-year-old can do nothing but wait for a decision at this point after getting hurt against Los Angeles. He has been one of many players to help Gabriel and Sanders shine during the postseason.
Cleveland has its starting tight end spot figured out with Njoku. The Browns' tight end has received a lot of attention as a potential trade piece, but figures to play a key role in the Browns' offense this season. However, head coach Kevin Stefanski has his hands full cutting down the roster from 90 players to 53.
Whiteheart's exit leaves a dark cloud over what has been a successful preseason for Cleveland. Sanders showed out in his Browns debut, even if he has to sit as the fourth-string quarterback. After an early turnover in his debut, Gabriel has also settled into Stefanski's offense. The injury is not ideal, but Cleveland has the momentum they need to begin the season.
For Whiteheart, his fate is no longer in his hands. His injury might be the thing that sends him back into free agency.
