Akins is the only healthy tight end on the Browns' roster heading into Sunday's game against the Jaguars, Chris Easterling of the Akron Beacon Journal reports.

EDGE Analysis

David Njoku (ankle) is week-to-week after hurting his ankle in the 33-17 Week 1 loss to Dallas, and he has already been ruled out against Jacksonville. Akins filled in capably after Njoku got hurt, finishing the season opener with three catches for four targets on 27 yards. The Browns will likely elevate at least one of Geoff Swaim, Cameron Latu or Blake Whitehurst from the practice squad to provide depth behind Akins.

Akins caught three of four targets for 27 yards and saw 43 snaps, the most among Cleveland tight ends, in Sunday's 33-17 loss to Dallas.

EDGE Analysis

The Browns had just two tight ends on the game-day roster and were down to one when starter David Njoku (ankle) was taken off the field in the third quarter. He'll undergo tests Monday to determine the severity of his injury, but Akins figures to step into a significant role if Njoku misses any further time. The Browns currently have two other tight ends on the practice squad, but neither Cameron Latu nor Blake Whiteheart have significant NFL experience.

Akins caught both of his targets for 15 yards in Saturday's preseason game against Minnesota.

EDGE Analysis

Akins has played the first quarters of both preseason games and caught all four targets for 40 yards. He's expected to serve as the top backup to David Njoku, while Zaire Mitchell-Paden and Giovanni Ricci (knee) battle for the third spot.

Akins was not targeted while playing 16 of 71 offensive snaps in Saturday's 45-14 wild-card playoff loss to the Texans.

EDGE Analysis

Akins finished up a quiet first season with the Browns; he had fewer than two targets in 13 of 18 games. For the regular season, Akins caught 15 of 23 targets for 132 yards with zero touchdowns. He was signed to a two-year contract during the offseason, which made sense given his history with franchise quarterback Deshaun Watson (shoulder); however, he was never able to rekindle any of their prior on-field chemistry. Most of that was by design -- Cleveland had several other priority weapons on offense -- and part of that was the quarterback's gimpy shoulder. He's under contract for 2024 at a relatively affordable wage and could elevate to the primary backup to David Njoku, as Harrison Bryant will become an unrestricted free agent this coming offseason.

Akins played 12 of the Browns' 71 snaps on offense and recorded a six-yard reception on his lone target in Sunday's 36-19 loss to the Rams.

EDGE Analysis

Akins technically drew a start Sunday after the Browns opened their first possession with a three-tight end set, but the 31-year-old still ranked comfortably behind David Njoku (59) and Harrison Bryant (31) in snaps on the day. While he spent the previous five seasons in Houston, Akins showed some occasional prowess as a pass catcher, but he's unlikely to produce splashy receiving lines in Cleveland so long as Njoku and Bryant are both available.

Akins caught one of three targets for 11 yards in Sunday's 27-0 win over the Cardinals.

EDGE Analysis

The three targets were a season high for Akins, who along with Harrison Bryant generally has to settle for scraps behind David Njoku at tight end. Akins was on offense for 19 snaps, his most since Week 1, but he remains third on the depth chart.

Akins caught one of two targets for six yards in Sunday's 28-3 loss to Baltimore.

EDGE Analysis

Akins has not seen much playing time through the first four weeks as the No. 3 tight end. Sunday's effort was the first time he's seen multiple targets, but the Browns were forced out of their usual offense in the blowout loss. Cleveland was also missing starting quarterback Deshaun Watson, which resulted in usage patterns being skewed and reduced production across the board. The Browns are off in Week 5.

Akins played 13 snaps and was not targeted in Sunday's 27-3 win over the Titans.

EDGE Analysis

Akins had a couple catches the first two weeks, but his reunion with quarterback Deshaun Watson has generally made little impact on the Browns' offense. After being on the field for 23 snaps (32 percent) in season opener, Akins has played a combined 22 snaps (14 percent) in Weeks 2 and 3.

Akins caught his lone target for two yards in Monday's 26-22 loss to the Steelers in Week 2.

EDGE Analysis

Thus far, Akins has not been a high-volume target of Deshaun Watson, his former quarterback when the pair were in Houston. The tight end's snap count dropped from 23 in Week 1 to nine in Week 2. He's been targeted once in each of the first two games, catching both for 14 yards. The rosy offseason scenario, which painted Akins vaulting Harrison Bryant (26 snaps Monday) to become the No. 2 tight end and rekindle the chemistry he had with Watson, has not yet materialized.

Akins caught his lone target for 12 yards in Sunday's 24-3 win over Cincinnati in Week 1.

EDGE Analysis

Akins was reunited with his former quarterback in Houston, Deshaun Watson, but it didn't lead to a big day for the tight end. Instead, it was Harrison Bryant (two catches, one TD, 27 snaps) getting more time on the field and targets than Akins behind starter David Njoku. Cleveland threw the ball only 29 times on a rainy day more suited for running, but there is an expectation that Watson will do more with his arm when conditions are more favorable, which could lead to more volume for Akins.