Browns rookie Joe Royer remains absent after preseason loss to Bears

Yahoo Sports1 min read • Latest: Aug 17, 2026, 2:00 AM

Last updated Aug 17, 2026

Browns rookie Joe Royer remains absent after preseason loss to Bears
Summary

Cleveland Browns tight end Joe Royer continues to be absent from the team as he deals with personal matters. The choice not to play contributed to the team's 34-10 preseason loss to the Chicago Bears. Royer’s absence is notable as he had the chance to compete for a role behind Harold Fannin Jr. Other tight ends, including Blake Whiteheart and Brenden Bates, are vying for the backup spot in Royer’s absence. General manager Andrew Berry expressed the team's support for Royer and emphasized his return will be welcomed when he is ready. The Browns have a joint practice scheduled with the Buffalo Bills before their next preseason game on August 22.

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Status Watch
  • Joe Royer is absent due to personal matters.
  • Browns lost 34-10 to the Bears in preseason opener.
  • Blake Whiteheart and Brenden Bates are competing for backup tight end.
  • Cleveland has joint practice with the Bills on August 22.
  • Team supports Royer and awaits his return.
Latest Updates
  • 2:00 AMYahoo SportsBrowns Get Bad News on Rookie After Preseason Opener
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The Cleveland Browns rookie is still nowhere to be found. The post Browns Get Bad News on Rookie After Preseason Opener appeared first on HEAVY.

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