GLENDALE, Ariz. — Browns tight end David Njoku, who returned for the Bengals game last week after missing 10 straight games with his broken wrist, is a surprise inactive today because of a coach’s decision.

Demetrius Harris, who was inactive last week with his shoulder injury, will start in his place.

Njoku played 21 snaps during last week’s 27-19 victory over the Bengals, but failed to secure the ball on the Browns’ opening drive, and it was picked off by linebacker Nick Vigil.

Kitchens yelled at Njoku on the sidelines after the pick, and Njoku snapped back, according to those within earshot.

After the game, in which Njoku caught 1-of-3 targets for 4 yards, Kitchens pulled no punches in his criticism of the 2017 29th overall pick out of Miami.

“Yeah, exactly, hold onto the ball,’’ Kitchens said. “That’s it. We were not catching the ball, and when you hit the ground, your arms cannot relax so just because you think you have it, it does not mean your arms are relaxed when you hit the ground. The ball has to be the upmost of importance for everybody on the field. We have to protect it like it is our football because when we have it, it is our football.”

Baker Mayfield, who didn’t need that INT added to his season total of 16 for second-most in the NFL, said, “David’s play was a catch by the way.”

Njoku agreed, saying, “I don’t know how it can be an interception or a fumble if I already hit the ground but that’s football. It is what it is. You’ve got to move on.’’

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The drop wasted a quick start for the Mayfield, who completed passes of 18 yards to Beckham and 17 to Jarvis Landry, along with a 6-yard scramble on third down to move into Cincinnati territory.

“Make sure you have the ball,’’ said offensive coordinator Todd Monken. “I think that’s with every skill guy you have. I think in his mind, I am sure he thought he was down. In the end, make sure you come down with the football, and when the pile uncovers, you have it. An unfortunate situation for us because we were moving the ball. We were ready to start fast. We have started fast a number of weeks in a row with our first drive and it is unfortunate because we were.”

Njoku, who underwent surgery to repair the wrist that he broke in Week 2 against the Jets, caught only one pass in the second quarter and none the rest of the game. He also dropped some passes in practice this week.

“He was fine,’’ said Monken. “Just getting him back healthy. It’s hard when you haven’t practiced in that long. At this point in the year, trying to get some of the physical work that you miss is very difficult and then trying to get him in a flow. You do not move on but you have already started to kind of have packages for other plays. We will continue to do that where we see fit with David and where we think he gives us the best chance to have success on offense.”

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Like receiver Rashard Higgins before him, Njoku felt he was ready to play before Kitchens made him active. Specifically, he hoped to return for the Miami game Nov. 24, but was inactive for that game and the following week in Pittsburgh. Against the Steelers, Harris dropped a TD pass in the end zone when he hit the ground.

“I wanted to contribute a little more but it’s baby steps, so I’m content with the W,’’ Njoku said after the Bengals game. “Now we focus on Arizona.’’

But for him, that focus will come from the sidelines.

Kendall Lamm to start at right tackle

Lamm earned his second straight start at right tackle in place of Chris Hubbard (knee). Hubbard is active this week, but Lamm played well enough last week to earn the nod. Hubbard inactive last week with the knee...JC Tretter is active despite being questionable with his knee.

Other Browns inactives

They are receiver Taywan Taylor, safety Eric Murray, defensive end Olivier Vernon, guard Drew Forbes, tight end Pharoah Brown, defensive tackle Justin Zimmer.