Browns Tight End Austin Hooper Has Appendicitis, Undergoing Surgery

Cleveland Browns star Austin Hooper will NOT be suiting up against the Bengals this weekend … after the team announced the tight end is undergoing an appendectomy.

The 25-year-old — who signed a 4-year, $44 million deal with CLE this offseason — was originally listed as questionable with a non-COVID-19 related illness … which was later revealed as appendicitis on Friday.

Hooper’s production has been improving in recent weeks … and has 22 receptions for more than 200 yards through 6 games this season.

Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski broke the news to reporters minutes ago … saying he does not expect Hooper to miss an extended amount of time.

The Browns have had their fair share of injuries this season — from Baker Mayfield and Jarvis Landry‘s injured ribs to a depleted secondary on defense.