### Browns TE Harold Fannin Jr. Faces Injury Challenges Ahead of Week 17 Matchup The Cleveland Browns are grappling with injury concerns as they prepare for their Week 17 game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Rookie tight end Harold Fannin Jr. has been a focal point of these concerns, having suffered a groin injury during practice leading up to the game. Despite this setback, he has been listed as active for the matchup, while backup quarterback Dillon Gabriel will not play due to a shoulder injury. The Browns' injury report has seen fluctuations, with Fannin's status evolving from questionable to active, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding player health as the season nears its conclusion [https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/browns-te-harold-fannin-jr-122305194.html, https://www.beaconjournal.com/story/sports/pro/browns/2025/12/28/browns-injury-inactive-week-17-steelers-dillon-gabriel-harold-fannin-bailey-zappe/87920016007]. ### Breakdown of Injury Status and Implications 1. **Initial Injury Reports**: - Fannin was added to the injury report on December 26 due to a groin issue, raising concerns about his availability for the Steelers game [https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/te-harold-fannin-jr-qb-185815952.html]. 2. **Reinjury During Game**: - In the game against the Steelers, Fannin reinjured his groin, which could impact his performance and availability in future games [https://www.tsn.ca/nfl/article/browns-rookie-te-fannin-jr-reinjures-groin-vs-steelers-n1-47436182]. 3. **Active Status Confirmation**: - Despite the injury concerns, Fannin was confirmed as active for the game, indicating that the Browns are relying on his contributions despite the risks associated with his injury [https://www.beaconjournal.com/story/sports/pro/browns/2025/12/28/browns-injury-inactive-week-17-steelers-dillon-gabriel-harold-fannin-bailey-zappe/87920016007]. 4. **Impact on Team Dynamics**: - The absence of Dillon Gabriel, alongside Fannin's injury, places additional pressure on the Browns' offensive strategy as they face a critical matchup against a division rival [https://www.beaconjournal.com/story/sports/pro/browns/2025/12/28/browns-injury-inactive-week-17-steelers-dillon-gabriel-harold-fannin-bailey-zappe/87920016007]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Injury Timeline**: - December 26: Fannin added to injury report as questionable due to groin injury [https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/te-harold-fannin-jr-qb-185815952.html]. - December 28: Fannin confirmed active for the game against the Steelers [https://www.beaconjournal.com/story/sports/pro/browns/2025/12/28/browns-injury-inactive-week-17-steelers-dillon-gabriel-harold-fannin-bailey-zappe/87920016007]. - December 28: Fannin reinjures groin during the game [https://www.tsn.ca/nfl/article/browns-rookie-te-fannin-jr-reinjures-groin-vs-steelers-n1-47436182]. ### Conclusion: Navigating Injury Challenges In summary, the Cleveland Browns are facing significant injury challenges as they head into Week 17 against the Pittsburgh Steelers. **Harold Fannin Jr. has been a key player, but his recent groin injury raises questions about his effectiveness and future availability.** The team's ability to adapt to these injuries will be crucial as they aim to secure a win in a pivotal game. 1. Fannin's initial injury raised concerns about his participation. 2. His active status was confirmed, but he reinjured himself during the game. 3. The absence of Dillon Gabriel further complicates the Browns' offensive strategy. 4. The team's performance will be closely monitored as they navigate these injury challenges [https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/browns-te-harold-fannin-jr-122305194.html, https://www.tsn.ca/nfl/article/browns-rookie-te-fannin-jr-reinjures-groin-vs-steelers-n1-47436182].