HARRISON BRYANT NEWS

Competition coming Bryant is expected to compete with the newly signed Jordan Akins as a backup to starter David Njoku, Zac Jackson of The Athletic reports.

Impact As reported by Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer, the Browns signed Akins to a two-year deal Friday. He has familiarity with Watson from their time in Houston together, but Bryant's been in the Cleveland system for three years. Bryant, who enters the final year of his rookie deal, has received steady playing time since being drafted out of Florida Atlantic and has been a modest contributor as a target.

MARCH 18, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Browns sign free agent TE Akins, reunites with QB Watson

The Browns have signed free agent tight end Jordan Akins

MARCH 17, 2023 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Two catches in finale Bryant caught two of two targets for 20 yards in a 28-14 loss to the Steelers in Week 18.

Impact Bryant finished the season with season highs in catches (31), targets (42) and yards (239) along with one touchdown. An increase in production was expected after Browns didn't bring tight end Austin Hooper back, although Bryant was clearly second behind David Njoku, who lived up to the four-year deal he signed during the offseason. Cleveland's down season was not the fault of its receivers, so expect Bryant, who enters the final year of his rookie deal, to return in the same role for the 2023 season. The club is in "win now" mode after sinking much into quarterback Deshaun Watson, so expect the same crew of targets back next season, when the organization hopes to see its pricey quarterback live up to a hefty price tag.

JANUARY 10, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Two catches in win Bryant caught two of three targets for 19 yards in Sunday's 24-10 win over Washington in Week 17.

Impact Bryant had his most active day as a receiver since Week 11. In the five games leading up to Week 17, Bryant totaled six targets, six catches and 30 yards. He remains a clear backup to David Njoku but could benefit in 2023 when quarterback Deshaun Watson has a full offseason to establish a rapport with all of Cleveland's receivers. In a positive sign that Watson is getting on the same page with the rest of the offense, he completed 6-of-10 passes for 146 yards and three touchdowns in the second half.

JANUARY 2, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Catches two passes in win Bryant caught two of two targets for seven yards in Saturday's 13-3 win over the Ravens.

Impact Bryant remains a distant second on the tight end depth chart behind David Njoku. He has just six catches (six targets) for 30 yards over the last four games.

DECEMBER 19, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Targeted once in limited snaps Bryant caught his lone target for eight yards in Sunday's 23-10 loss to the Bengals.

Impact Bryant played a season-low eight snaps, as the Browns' tight end offense ran through David Njoku (69 snaps, nine targets). It's the second consecutive week with just one target for Bryant, and he has little fantasy utility while Njoku is healthy.

DECEMBER 12, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Harrison Bryant: "We need to go 1-0 this week" | Press Conference Harrison Bryant addresses the media on December 5th, 2022.

DECEMBER 5, 2022 • CLEVELANDBROWNS.COM

Two touches in win Bryant caught his lone target for six yards and had one carry for eight yards in Sunday's 27-14 win over Houston in Week 13.

Impact With starting tight end David Njoku sidelined by a knee injury, Week 13 was seen a potentially big spot for Bryant but it turned out to be less than anticipated. That's probably because the Browns started quarterback Deshaun Watson, who hadn't played a regular season game since 2020. The quarterback's rust was evident, and Cleveland stuck to its run-heavy attack.

DECEMBER 5, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

To cover for Njoku on Sunday Bryant is in line to serve as the Browns' No. 1 tight end Sunday at Houston with David Njoku (knee) ruled out for the contest, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reports.

Impact Njoku previously sat out Weeks 8 and 10 due to a sprained left ankle, which allowed Bryant to take on an elevated snap share in those two outings. Still, getting 72 and 76 percent of the offensive plays resulted in only three catches (on three targets) for 15 yards and a touchdown for Bryant during that span. As a result, he seemingly is a TD-dependent option, despite the upcoming increased workload.

DECEMBER 2, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Minimized role in win Bryant caught two of two targets for nine yards in Sunday's 23-17 overtime victory over the Buccaneers.

Impact Bryant's workload picked up while David Njoku missed two games and was slowed in his return last week from an ankle injury, but the starting tight end was back in form Sunday. That resulted in fewer snaps and looks for Bryant, who had 10 targets the last two games. With Deshaun Watson due back from his 11-game suspension next week at Houston, Bryant could see an uptick in production going forward.

NOVEMBER 28, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Receives seven targets in loss Bryant caught four of seven targets for 41 yards in Sunday's 31-23 loss to the Bills.

Impact Bryant once again led all Cleveland tight ends in playing time (55 snaps, 73 percent) en route to a season high in targets, as David Njoku (28 snaps, 37 percent) had his workload managed in his return from an ankle injury that cost him two games. Njoku could regain his usual role in next week's home game against Tampa Bay however, pushing Bryant back down the depth chart.

NOVEMBER 21, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Scores first TD Bryant caught three of three targets for 15 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 39-17 loss to Miami in Week 10.

Impact Bryant scored his first touchdown since Week 17 of 2021. The emergence of David Njoku (ankle) as a reliable threat in 2022 has diminished Bryant's opportunities, but he benefited from Njoku being inactive for a second straight game.

NOVEMBER 14, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Harrison Bryant comes wide open to make his first TD catch of 2022 Cleveland Browns tight end Harrison Bryant comes wide open on his red zone route to make his first touchdown catch of the 2022 NFL season.

NOVEMBER 13, 2022 • CLEVELANDBROWNS.COM

Set for top TE role again Bryant is expected to serve as the Browns' top tight end Sunday against the Dolphins with David Njoku (ankle) ruled out for the contest.

Impact Bryant played a season-high 74 percent of the snaps on offense in the first game Njoku missed in Week 8 against Cincinnati, but Bryant finished without a target in a game where the Browns attempted only 23 passes and used a sixth offensive lineman on more than one-third of their snaps. They also had Bryant block on seven of his 18 pass snaps, and it's possible he continues to do more blocking than Njoku did when he was healthy. Bryant could still have some value in deeper leagues, but it may only be for another week with his injured teammate hoping to return soon.

NOVEMBER 11, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Untargeted in win Bryant was not targeted among 53 snaps in Monday's 32-13 win over the Bengals in Week 8.

Impact Bryant took on the role as the primary tight end, as David Njoku (ankle) was inactive for the game. Njoku is typically a key part of the passing attack, but Bryant wasn't needed for that Monday. That's largely due to the Browns playing according to plan; Cleveland had a season-high 44 rushing attempts and a season-low 23 passes. Bryant enters the bye week with 14 catches on 21 targets for 114 yards.

NOVEMBER 1, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Filling in for Njoku Bryant is slated to work as the Browns' top tight end Monday night against the Bengals, with David Njoku (ankle) inactive, Chris Easterling of the Akron Beacon Journal reports.

Impact Meanwhile, Pharaoh Brown is in line to serve as the team's No. 2 TE on Monday, with practice squad elevation Miller Forristall also on hand. In Njoku's absence, Bryant -- who has caught 14 passes (on 21 targets) for 114 yards in seven games to date -- is in line for an uptick in snaps and targets, making him an option for those looking to replace Njoku in Week 8 fantasy lineups.

OCTOBER 31, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

News & Notes: TE Harrison Bryant prepared for possible expanded role Bryant could be in for a big workload Monday if David Njoku and Pharaoh Brown are unavailable

OCTOBER 28, 2022 • CLEVELANDBROWNS.COM

Harrison Bryant: "My goal is to make the most of my opportunities" Harrison Bryant addresses the media on October 28th, 2022.

OCTOBER 28, 2022 • CLEVELANDBROWNS.COM

Browns try to stop skid on Halloween night against Bengals

Things are pretty frightful around Cleveland these days, and it’s got nothing to do with   Halloween

OCTOBER 28, 2022 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Harrison Bryant Mic'd Up vs. Ravens Tight End Harrison Bryant was #MicdUp for week 7 of the 2022 NFL season against the Baltimore Ravens.

OCTOBER 26, 2022 • CLEVELANDBROWNS.COM

Last tight end standing Bryant caught two of two targets for 15 yards in Sunday's 23-20 loss to the Ravens in Week 7.

Impact By the fourth quarter, the Browns were down two tight ends and Bryant was the lone representative at the position. The bye week is not until Week 9, so the tight end room will be sparse to start preparations for Week 8 against the Bengals. Both David Njoku (ankle) and Pharaoh Brown (neck) couldn't finish the loss to Baltimore. Njoku tweeted he'll "be back soon," while Adam Schefter of ESPN reports a source stating the injury "isn't serious." Brown is being evaluated for a concussion, per Chris Easterling of the Akron Beacon Journal. Pending the health status of the injured players, Bryant could take on a larger role next week at home to resurgent Cincinnati.

OCTOBER 24, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Losing snaps to Brown Bryant caught three of four targets for 18 yards in Sunday's 38-15 loss to New England in Week 6.

Impact For the third time this season, Bryant recorded 18 receiving yards in a game, and he has no more than 45. His 19 targets are fourth on team, but he could be threatened by Pharaoh Brown, who was signed two weeks ago. Brown played two snaps in his debut last week and moved up to 19 in his second week, while Bryant dropped to a season-low 25 snaps Sunday. Both are playing second fiddle to David Njoku, who is experiencing a breakout season.

OCTOBER 17, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Targeted once in loss Bryant did not catch his lone target in Sunday's 30-28 loss to the Chargers in Week 5.

Impact Bryant battled an illness during the week but was on the field for 57 percent of the offensive snaps. It's unlikely the illness had any impact on his targets. The second-string tight end has caught nine of 15 targets for 81 yards and has yet to score in 2022. Week 5 saw the introduction of newly signed tight end Pharaoh Brown, whose presence could eventually eat into Bryant's playing time. Brown played just two snaps Sunday.

OCTOBER 10, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Practices fully Friday Bryant (illness) was a full participant in Friday's practice session and doesn't have an injury designation for Sunday's game against the Chargers, Mary Kay Cabot of The Cleveland...

Impact Bryant was unable to practice Wednesday due to his illness, and he was limited Thursday. However, he won't be forced to miss any game action after logging a full practice session to close out the week. The 2020 fourth-rounder has secured nine of 14 targets for 81 yards to begin the season.

OCTOBER 7, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Returns to practice Bryant (illness) was able to practice Thursday, Scott Petrak of the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram reports.

Impact Bryant sat out practice Wednesday due to the illness, but he returned in some form Thursday. The Browns have not released their official practice report yet, so it's not clear if he was a limited or full participant. However, either would be a step in the right direction for the third-year tight end. With David Njoku (knee) and recent signee Pharaoh Brown (hip) both questionable for Sunday against the Chargers as well, Bryant could potentially find himself in a significant role, if he plays.

OCTOBER 6, 2022 • ROTOWIRE