Browns' Harold Fannin Jr. ruled out for rookie season finale vs. Bengals

The Cleveland Browns hit on a lot of their 2025 draft class, and while Carson Schweisiger is the Rookie of the Year favorite, Harold Fannin Jr. has a case as just as impactful a rookie.

A day-two tight end, Fannin turned into the focal point of the Browns' offense and helped Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel have a top weapon to throw to despite a lackluster wide receiver room.

But, as Underdog NFL shared, Fannin won't play in Week 18, ending the star rookie tight end's season one week early.

Browns' TE Harold Fannin Jr. ruled out for Week 18

Cleveland ruled out Fannin for the regular season finale against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 18, ending his rookie campaign due to a groin issue that popped up at practice in Week 17.

Fannin will miss the final game of the season for the Browns, but he still put up some incredible numbers. He hauled in 73 catches for 731 yards and seven touchdowns.

Among rookie tight ends since 2000, according to Underdog NFL, those marks rank 5th, 6th, and 4th, respectively. Fannin has been one of the best rookie tight ends of the last quarter-century.

Not only has Fannin been great statistically for the Browns, but he's also been one of the best rookie tight ends in recent NFL history.

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Fannin's 72 receptions are the most by any Browns receiver, and the most by a rookie this season. His 731 receiving yards are the most by a Browns player this season, and are fourth by a rookie in 2025.

Cleveland hit a home run with the Fannin draft pick, and his rookie season, despite being cut one game short, is an incredibly positive one to build off of.

Whether it's Sanders or a rookie at quarterback next season, the Browns quarterback will have an incredible tight end to throw to in 2026 and beyond.

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