Browns Add Former Eagles Tight End as Rookie Joe Royer Remains Away
The Cleveland Browns have added another tight end ahead of their preseason opener while fifth-round rookie Joe Royer continues to remain away from the team.
Cleveland claimed Dae’Quan Wright off waivers from the Philadelphia Eagles on Tuesday. To make room on the roster, the Browns placed cornerback Damarri Mathis on injured reserve.
Wright originally joined Philadelphia as an undrafted free agent out of Ole Miss. At 6-foot-4 and 246 pounds, he now steps into a crowded and unsettled tight end competition behind Harold Fannin Jr.
The move could give Wright a chance to quickly establish himself. Royer has not returned to the team due to a personal matter, while veteran tight end Jack Stoll was also missing from Tuesday’s practice.
Browns Continue to Support Joe Royer
Royer has been absent from the on-field portion of training camp after taking part briefly in rookie workouts. General manager Andrew Berry previously said the organization supports Royer but could not provide a timetable for his return.
Berry emphasized that the situation is personal and that the Browns want to respect Royer’s privacy. He also said the team hopes to get the rookie back up to speed and integrated into the team once he returns.
Royer appeared sixth on Cleveland’s first unofficial depth chart released Tuesday. Fannin was listed first, followed by Blake Whiteheart, Stoll, Brenden Bates, seventh-round rookie Carsen Ryan and then Royer.
Harold Fannin Jr. Remains Browns’ Top Tight End
Although the competition behind him is still developing, Fannin enters his second season as one of Cleveland’s most dependable offensive players. As a rookie, he led the Browns with 72 receptions, 731 receiving yards and six touchdown catches.
Fannin underwent offseason surgery but received clearance to participate in training camp. Offensive coordinator Travis Switzer believes his versatility can create difficult matchup decisions for opposing defenses.
His ability to line up in different roles could allow head coach Todd Monken to consistently exploit favorable matchups.
Rookie Receivers Make Their Mark
Cleveland has also revamped its group of pass catchers this offseason, with rookies KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston earning starting spots on the team’s first depth chart.
Concepcion, the Browns’ first-round selection, has impressed with his ability to create separation and make plays downfield. Boston has taken advantage of his 6-foot-4 frame to make contested catches and recently moved into the first-team offense.
Monken said Boston’s recent production has earned him the promotion, while the coaching staff also wants to increase Concepcion’s involvement.
Boston’s emergence could also provide Cleveland with more freedom to move Jerry Jeudy around the formation. Monken believes Jeudy is particularly effective when he is able to stay in motion and attack defenses from different positions.
With Jeudy, Fannin, Concepcion and Boston potentially forming a key group of receiving options, Cleveland could have an intriguing collection of weapons for whoever wins the quarterback battle.
Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders were listed as co-starters on the initial depth chart, with Monken still determining which quarterback will start Saturday’s preseason matchup against the Chicago Bears.
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