- Blake Whiteheart
- #86
- Team CLE
- Pos TE
- Status AActive
-
Leads TEs in snaps
Whiteheart was unable to secure his lone target over 32 snaps in Sunday's 13-6 win over the Steelers in Week 17.
Analysis: It was just the fifth target in 16 games for Whiteheart, who has served mostly as a blocker this season. He led Browns tight ends in snaps after starter Harold Fannin (groin) was removed late in the first quarter. Whiteheart is not expected to gain a larger share of targets if the Browns decide to sit Fannin for the regular-season finale next Sunday against the Bengals. With Fannin sidelined for most of Week 17's contest, Sal Cannella led Cleveland's tight ends with four targets.
Published: Mon, Dec 29 at 4:56am by Rotowire.com
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Logs full practice Thursday
Whiteheart (shoulder) was a full participant in Thursday's practice, Mary Kay Cabot of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.
Analysis: Whiteheart's practice snaps weren't capped during Thursday's session, which puts him on track to play against the Patriots on Sunday. The third-year tight end played 35 snaps on offense in Week 7 against the Dolphins, and his snap count could remain elevated for Week 8 if David Njoku (knee) is not cleared to play.
Published: Thu, Oct 23 at 2:04pm by Rotowire.com
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Still dealing with shoulder issue
Whiteheart (shoulder) was limited in Wednesday's practice, Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN.com reports.
Analysis: Whiteheart was nursing a shoulder leading up to the Browns' Week 7 clash against the Dolphins, but he was cleared to play and finished with a season-high 35 offensive snaps due to the absence of David Njoku (knee). Whiteheart's shoulder issue limited him in the first practice of the week, but he'll have two more chances to log a full session and avoid an injury tag heading into Sunday's game against the Patriots.
Published: Wed, Oct 22 at 2:56pm by Rotowire.com
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Season-high snap count
Whiteheart caught his lone target for four yards in Sunday's 31-6 win over the Dolphins in Week 7.
Analysis: The tight end got a bump in playing time, playing a season-high 35 snaps (61 percent), due to David Njoku (knee) being inactive. Whiteheart is a blocker first at the position and a receiver second, however. He has two catches on three targets for four yards in 2025.
Published: Mon, Oct 20 at 4:44am by Rotowire.com
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Upgrades to full practice
Whiteheart (shoulder) was a full participant in Thursday's practice, Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN.com reports.
Analysis: Whiteheart was limited in practice Wednesday, but he now appears to have returned to full health. After playing a season-high 22 snaps on offense during Cleveland's loss to the Steelers in Week 6, Whiteheart may now get a chance to handle No. 2 tight end reps behind rookie Harold Fannin if David Njoku (knee) is unable to suit up at home against the Dolphins on Sunday.
Published: Thu, Oct 16 at 1:46pm by Rotowire.com
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Nursing shoulder injury
Whiteheart was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice due to a shoulder injury, Mary Kay Cabot of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.
Analysis: Whiteheart played a season-high 22 snaps on offense during the Browns' 23-9 loss to the Steelers in Week 6, but he appears to have picked up a shoulder injury in the process. He has two more chances this week to log a full practice and avoid an injury designation heading into Sunday's home tilt against the Dolphins. If cleared to play Sunday, Whiteheart would be slated to serve as the Browns' TE2 behind rookie third-rounder Harold Fannin if David Njoku is sidelined due to a knee injury.
Published: Wed, Oct 15 at 3:58pm by Rotowire.com
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Records first reception
Whiteheart recorded a reception for zero yards on his lone target in Sunday's 23-9 loss to the Steelers.
Analysis: Whiteheart was credited with his first start of the season with Cleveland opening its first possession with a three-tight end set, but the 25-year-old still finished a distant third in playing time among the position group. Harold Fannin paced Browns tight ends by playing 66 of the Browns' 82 snaps, David Njoku played 36 snaps, and Whiteheart brought up the rear with 22 snaps. Njoku likely would have seen more time if he hadn't been forced out of the game in the second half due to a knee issue,…read more
Published: Tue, Oct 14 at 12:50pm by Rotowire.com
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Logs first target
Whiteheart did not catch his lone target in Sunday's 34-10 loss to the Lions in Week 4.
Analysis: Whiteheart is operating as Cleveland's third tight behind David Njoku and Harold Fannin. Sunday's target was the first of the season for Whiteheart.
Published: Mon, Sep 29 at 5:54am by Rotowire.com
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Cleared to suit up Week 1
Whiteheart (knee) doesn't have an injury designation for Sunday's game against the Bengals, Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plan Dealer reports.
Analysis: Whiteheart gained clearance with full participation in practice Friday following a pair of limited sessions. He's a distant third on the depth chart behind David Njoku and rookie third-round pick Harold Fannin.
Published: Fri, Sep 5 at 12:55pm by Rotowire.com
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Could play Week 1
Head coach Kevin Stefanski told reporters Sunday that Whiteheart (knee) is potentially available for the Browns' Week 1 contest against the Bengals on Sunday, Sept. 7, Scott Petrak of the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram reports.
Analysis: Whiteheart suffered a knee injury in the second quarter of the Browns' preseason finale against the Rams on Sunday. The good news for the third-year tight end is that the injury isn't considered severe enough for him to be ruled out for Cleveland's regular-season opener, and his practice participation over the next two weeks should shed light on whether he'll be cleared to play in Week 1. Brenden Bates would be the top candidate to fill in as the Browns' TE3 behind David Njoku and Harold Fannin…read more
Published: Sun, Aug 24 at 10:25am by Rotowire.com
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Won't return vs. Rams
Whiteheart has been ruled out for the rest of Saturday's game against the Rams due to a knee injury.
Analysis: Whiteheart may have suffered the injury during the Browns' second offensive drive of the second quarter. He's gone to the locker room to undergo further tests to determine the severity of the injury, and he'll finish his day with one catch for 12 yards. Brenden Bates, Sal Cannella and Mitch Van Vooren should all see an uptick in playing time at tight end for the rest of Saturday's game due to Whiteheart's injury.
Published: Sat, Aug 23 at 11:30am by Rotowire.com
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Signs tender with Browns
Whiteheart signed his tender with the Browns on Monday.
Analysis: Whiteheart will return to Cleveland on a one-year contract in 2025. He entered the offseason as an exclusive rights free agent before the Browns tendered him March 4. Whiteheart is expected to provide depth behind David Njoku in 2025 after the former registered six catches for 51 yards and one touchdown on nine targets across 11 appearances in 2024.
Published: Mon, Apr 7 at 11:16am by Rotowire.com
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Finishes 2024 with six catches
Whiteheart caught six of nine targets for 51 yards and a touchdown over 11 games for Cleveland in 2024.
Analysis: Whiteheart typically served as the Browns' No. 2 or 3 tight end when he was active this season, moving up a rung on the depth chart on the occasions starter David Njoku missed time due to injury. The 24-year-old is an exclusive rights free agent this offseason but is likely to be tendered a contract for 2025.
Published: Thu, Jan 9 at 5:24am by Rotowire.com
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Clear to play in season finale
Whiteheart (knee) is not among Cleveland's inactives for Saturday's Week 18 matchup against Baltimore.
Analysis: Whiteheart carried a questionable tag heading into Saturday due to a knee issue, but he's been given the green light to suit up. The second-year tight end has served as the Browns' No. 3 tight end most of the campaign, but he could be in line for a bigger role due to David Njoku (knee) being placed on IR on Friday. Jordan Akins is set to start in Njoku's stead Saturday, and Whiteheart should slot in behind Akins on the depth chart.
Published: Sat, Jan 4 at 12:29pm by Rotowire.com
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Questionable for Week 18
Whiteheart (knee) is listed as questionable for Saturday's regular-season finale against the Ravens, Mary Kay Cabot of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.
Analysis: Whiteheart was limited in practice all week due to a knee injury he likely picked up during the Browns' Week 17 loss to the Dolphins. With David Njoku (knee) ruled out for Saturday's game, Whiteheart would (if healthy) have the chance to serve as the backup tight end behind Jordan Akins; otherwise Brenden Bates would climb up to the No. 2 role.
Published: Thu, Jan 2 at 2:06pm by Rotowire.com
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Limited Tuesday with knee issue
Whiteheart was a limited practice participant Tuesday due to a knee injury, Mary Kay Cabot of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.
Analysis: Whiteheart logged a season-high 31 offensive snaps Sunday versus Miami and appears to have picked up a knee injury. His increased opportunity came as a result of starting tight end David Njoku missing the contest due to a knee issue of his own. Njoku didn't practice Tuesday, leaving Jordan Akins and Brenden Bates as the two Browns tight ends not currently dealing with an injury.
Published: Tue, Dec 31 at 2:52pm by Rotowire.com
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Signed to active roster
The Browns signed Whiteheart from their practice squad to their active roster Saturday.
Analysis: Whiteheart was on the active roster early in the season before getting waived Oct. 8. He subsequently signed with the team's practice squad and was elevated for last Thursday's Week 12 win over Pittsburgh before reverting back to the practice squad. Whiteheart is now back on the active roster, with fellow tight end Geoff Swaim (concussion) landing on IR in a corresponding move. Over five games this season, Whiteheart has totaled four catches for 42 yards and a touchdown.
Published: Sat, Nov 30 at 12:09pm by Rotowire.com
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Reverts to practice squad
Whiteheart reverted to the Browns' practice squad Friday, per the NFL's transaction log.
Analysis: The Wake Forest product was elevated to Cleveland's active roster ahead of Thursday night's win over the Steelers to ensure depth at tight end with Geoff Swaim (concussion) sidelined. Whiteheart caught his only target for 29 yards across 16 total snaps (nine offensive and seven on special teams). He could be elevated to the Browns' active roster again for the Week 13 matchup against the Broncos if Swaim remains in concussion protocol.
Published: Fri, Nov 22 at 2:58pm by Rotowire.com
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One big grab in win
Whiteheart secured his only target for 29 yards in Thursday's 24-19 win over the Steelers in Week 12.
Analysis: Whiteheart, who was elevated from the practice squad, was surprisingly on the receiving end of Cleveland's longest play. He managed to make a twisting, juggling catch in the snowy conditions on the first play of a drive that led to the Browns taking a lead. Whiteheart was moved to the active roster with Geoff Swaim (concussion) inactive.
Published: Fri, Nov 22 at 6:46am by Rotowire.com
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Elevated for Thursday night
The Browns elevated Whiteheart from the practice squad to the active roster for Thursday night's game against the Steelers, Scott Petrak of the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram reports.
Analysis: With Geoff Swaim ruled out for Thursday's game due to a concussion, the Browns will replenish their tight-end room by elevating Whiteheart, who will serve as the Browns' No. 3 tight end behind David Njoku and Jordan Akins.
Published: Thu, Nov 21 at 2:03pm by Rotowire.com
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Back with Cleveland
Whiteheart signed with the Browns' practice squad Thursday.
Analysis: Cleveland waived Whiteheart on Tuesday, but now he's back with the franchise as a member of its practice squad. The Wake Forest product had three catches for 13 yards and a touchdown in four games this season while David Njoku was tending to an ankle injury.
Published: Thu, Oct 10 at 8:25am by Rotowire.com
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Getting waived
Cleveland waived Whiteheart on Tuesday, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.
Analysis: A little over a week removed from his first career touchdown, Whiteheart is now on his way out with the Browns. He's in line to become a free agent unless he's claimed by another team during the current waiver period.
Published: Tue, Oct 8 at 11:04am by Rotowire.com
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Three targets, TD in loss
Whiteheart caught all three of his targets for 13 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 20-16 loss to Las Vegas.
Analysis: Whiteheart capped Cleveland's first drive of the game with a one-yard touchdown grab, the first of his career. He was targeted twice on the 15-play drive and wound up being more productive than starter Jordan Akins, who caught one of two targets for 10 yards. Until David Njoku (ankle) is ready to play, Whiteheart and Akins could split red-zone looks.
Published: Mon, Sep 30 at 6:19am by Rotowire.com
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Signed to Browns' roster
Cleveland signed Whiteheart from the practice squad to the active roster Saturday, Kelsey Russo of the Browns' official site reports.
Analysis: Whiteheart was elevated from the practice squad for Week 2 against the Jaguars, during which he played 22 snaps on offense without drawing a target. With David Njoku (ankle) ruled out for a second straight week, Whiteheart will join the active roster and serve as the No. 2 tight end behind Jordan Akins for Sunday's game against the Giants.
Published: Sat, Sep 21 at 11:20am by Rotowire.com
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Headed back to practice squad
Whiteheart reverted to Cleveland's practice squad Monday, per the NFL's transaction log.
Analysis: Whiteheart played a healthy 22 offensive snaps during Sunday's 18-13 win at Jacksonville, but he didn't draw any targets. He might suit up again in Week 3 if David Njoku (ankle) remains unavailable.
Published: Mon, Sep 16 at 4:47pm by Rotowire.com
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No targets in season debut
Whiteheart went untargeted over 24 snaps in Sunday's 18-13 win over the Jaguars.
Analysis: With David Njoku (ankle) unavailable, Whiteheart was elevated from the practice squad to back up Jordan Akins at tight end. The two combined for just one target, far below Njoku's typical volume. If Njoku isn't ready to return, Whiteheart could be active again in Week 3 when the Browns host the Giants.
Published: Mon, Sep 16 at 4:51am by Rotowire.com
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Elevated for Week 2
The Browns elevated Whiteheart from the practice squad to the active roster Saturday, in preparation for Sunday's game against the Jaguars, Brad Stainbrook of 247Sports.com reports.
Analysis: Whiteheart figures to play an important depth role in the Browns' tight end rotation Sunday, with David Njoku (ankle) out and Jordan Akins the only other healthy player at the position on the 53-man roster. Whiteheart appeared in two games with the Cardinals last season but didn't record an offensive stat.
Published: Sat, Sep 14 at 10:10am by Rotowire.com
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Headed to Cleveland
Whiteheart signed a contract with the Browns' practice squad Thursday, Mary Kay Cabot of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.
Analysis: Whiteheart spent training camp with the Cardinals, but he was waived by the team Tuesday. He'll now have an opportunity in Cleveland, which is currently only carrying two tight ends on its active roster roster.
Published: Thu, Aug 29 at 12:47pm by Rotowire.com
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Cut by Arizona
Whiteheart was waived by the Cardinals on Tuesday, Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reports.
Analysis: Undrafted out of Wake Forest last year, Whiteheart appeared in two games as a rookie, seeing two snaps on offense and nine on special teams. He caught six passes for 57 yards this preseason and could be a candidate for the practice squad.
Published: Tue, Aug 27 at 12:51pm by Rotowire.com
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Healthy scratch again
Whiteheart (coach's decision) is inactive Sunday against the Seahawks.
Analysis: Whiteheart will once again be a healthy scratch, which has been a common case since signing with the active roster Oct. 24. His rookie campaign will end with two games played but no counting stats.
Published: Sun, Jan 7 at 12:04pm by Rotowire.com
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Inactive again
Whiteheart (coach's decision) is inactive for the second week in a row after playing in Week 11 against the Texans, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.
Analysis: The tight end joined the Cardinals' practice squad Sept. 1 and signed with the active roster Oct. 24 after Zach Ertz was placed on injured reserve. Whiteheart only saw action in Week 11, and he did not play an offensive snap.
Published: Sun, Dec 3 at 9:16am by Rotowire.com
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Joins Arizona's active roster
The Cardinals signed Whiteheart to their active roster Tuesday, Darren Urban of the team's official site reports.
Analysis: The move coincides with Arizona placing tight end Zach Ertz (quadriceps) on injured reserve. Whiteheart joined the Cardinals' practice squad on Sept. 1, one day after being let go by the team ahead of the 53-man roster deadline. With Ertz sidelined for at least the next four games, Whiteheart will provide depth at tight end behind Trey McBride, Geoff Swaim and Elijah Higgins.
Published: Tue, Oct 24 at 1:37pm by Rotowire.com
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Lands on practice squad
The Cardinals signed Whiteheart to the practice squad Friday, Bo Brack of GoPHNX.com reports.
Analysis: Whiteheart will now stay in Arizona after having been waived Wednesday. The 23-year-old signed as an undrafted free agent out of Wake Forest back in April but became expendable after the team claimed Elijah Higgins off waivers.
Published: Fri, Sep 1 at 3:29pm by Rotowire.com
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Waived after making team
Whiteheart was waived by the Cardinals on Wednesday, Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reports.
Analysis: Whiteheart made the initial 53-man roster Tuesday, but he didn't stick around long, as Arizona claimed fellow tight end Elijah Higgins off waivers Wednesday. Since Arizona liked Whiteheart enough to keep him originally, there's a good chance that the undrafted rookie out of Wake Forest will be offered a spot on the practice squad.
Published: Wed, Aug 30 at 12:50pm by Rotowire.com
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