David Njoku Put Up Career Numbers For Browns While Playing With This Injury

Browns tight end David Njoku went on Inside the NFL to share a story about an in-home injury he sustained before having a career day in the team's win over the Bears

David Njoku needs to be more careful around his house.

Just days after hauling in a career-high 10 receptions to go along with 104 yards and a touchdown in the Browns win over the Bears, Njoku joined the CW's Inside the NFL to talk about Cleveland's resiliency this season. However, the show's panel of Ryan Clark, Channing Crowder, Jay Cutler, Chad Johnson, Chris Long got more than they bargained for as the Browns tight end shared that he actually played in the Bears game with a toe injury that required stitches.

Njoku revealed that he stubbed his pinky toe at his house on Thursday night last week but didn't think much of it initially, despite experiencing some serious pain. Later on, the 27-year-old noticed blood seeping through his sock and on the floor signalling the injury was more serious than he thought.

Upon showing up at the team facility the next day, the Browns training staff told Njoku he'd need stitches to close up the wound. So he had the procedure done on Friday, then took the field two days later against the Bears where he produced a career day.

.@David_Njoku80 was battling a bloody, stitched up pinky toe before his season-best @browns performance Sunday 😳 pic.twitter.com/Ut4MO34JNV

— Inside the NFL (@insidetheNFL) December 20, 2023

This isn't the first time an incident at Njoku's home could have prevented him from paying this season. Back before Week 4, the former first-round pick suffered burns to his face and arms trying to light a fire at his house several days before Cleveland hosted the Ravens.

There was a lot of uncertainty about whether or not Njooku could even get a helmet on in time for the game, but – remarkably – he found a way to play. Making the whole situation even more impressive is the fact that he actually led the team in receiving that day with six receptions for 46 yards.

While Njoku should probably look into baby proofing his house moving forward to avoid further injury, both the burn incident and this latest one with his toe are somewhat fitting in a Browns season defined by overcoming the unexpected.

"I think the model for this year is 'what else,' he said on the show. "So many things thrown our way but none of that matters. When it comes to game day, we gotta just deal with it and perform."

Known for warming up without a shirt, he's kept to that tradition in all kinds of conditions: rain, sleet, snow, even unhealthy freezing temperatures – Njoku is already known as one of the toughest players on the team. He's taken that to a whole new level in 2023.

So far, Njoku has already posted his best season as a pro with career highs in catches (69), yards (704) and touchdowns (5). With three weeks to go, there is surely more where that came from.