Todd Monken Praised Browns Tight End Blake Whiteheart
The head coach drew comparisons to All-Pro Brock Bowers while discussing the backup tight end's development.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Football
Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken recently praised backup tight end Blake Whiteheart for his performance. The veteran tight end has stepped into a larger role within the team's passing offense this season.
Why it matters
Whiteheart has become a vital asset for the Browns offense after earning the backup position during training camp. His contributions follow injuries and absences that affected other tight end depth on the roster.
Blake Whiteheart is currently in his 4th year as an NFL veteran. His recent scoring play against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers marked the 10th pass catch of his professional career.
The players
Todd Monken
He serves as the head coach for the Cleveland Browns and is 60 years old.
Blake Whiteheart
He is a fourth-year NFL veteran currently serving as a backup tight end for the Cleveland Browns.
Harold Fannin Jr.
He is the 22-year-old primary tight end for the Cleveland Browns.
Joe Royer
He is a tight end for the Cleveland Browns who missed training camp due to a personal matter.
Jack Stoll
He is a tight end for the Cleveland Browns who suffered an injury during the preseason.
The details
Coach Todd Monken utilizes Whiteheart specifically for pass-catching duties, citing his development in route-running and blocking. Whiteheart earned his current roster spot following training camp absences for Joe Royer and an injury sustained by Jack Stoll.
Timeline
September 23, 2026: Todd Monken praised Blake Whiteheart during a press conference.
2026 NFL Season Week 2: Whiteheart recorded a 17-yard touchdown catch against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Season Trajectory
Whiteheart's emergence provides necessary depth to the Browns offense, impacting the team's ability to maintain offensive production amidst injuries. This stability is critical as Cleveland works to balance its rotation between veteran reserves and young primary targets.
Fantasy managers should note that Whiteheart has secured a role in the passing rotation, potentially impacting target distribution for the Browns tight end group. His usage indicates he is a viable secondary option for offensive sets requiring additional blocking or vertical threats.
The takeaway
Reliable backup players like Whiteheart are essential for maintaining offensive momentum when primary starters are sidelined. Coaches often look for specific technical growth in route-running to justify expanded roles for veteran reserves.
Further reading
For more on the team's roster moves, see the latest updates on the Cleveland Football page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by 247Sports.
