Dylan Sampson
Running Back
Dylan Sampson News
Dylan Sampson is Quickly Gaining Value
Cleveland Browns running back Dylan Sampson made his return to the field during the Week 7 matchup against the Tennessee Titans. He made his return after missing the last five games due to a knee injury. Sampson rushed the ball six times for 45 yards and hauled in all three of his targets for 32 additional yards in the win over the Titans. The 22-year-old is clearly the No. 2 back in Cleveland, but he has shown that he can be a solid contributor when healthy. The expectation is that his role will continue to grow as long as he keeps playing like this every week. Sampson is looking like an interesting stash option in 12-team formats ahead of the Week 8 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Oct 26, 2026 6:46 PM EST
Dylan Sampson Active for Week 7 Against Titans
Cleveland Browns running back Dylan Sampson (knee) is active for Sunday's Week 7 matchup against the Tennessee Titans, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter, but his immediate fantasy appeal is limited to bench-stash duty in deeper PPR leagues, where his receiving ability helps. Sampson returns after missing five consecutive games with a knee injury suffered in Cleveland's season opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The second-year back was activated from injured reserve Saturday after practicing in full Friday. He caught 33 passes for 271 yards and two touchdowns as a rookie in 2025, giving him a potential passing-game role behind Quinshon Judkins (ankle), who is also available after missing Week 6. With Judkins remaining Cleveland's lead back, that role stays secondary.
Oct 25, 2026 8:05 AM EST
Dylan Sampson a Waiver Pickup After IR Activation
The Cleveland Browns activated running back Dylan Sampson (knee) from Injured Reserve on Saturday, and he will make his return on Sunday in the team's Week 7 game against the Tennessee Titans after a five-game absence due to a knee injury, according to ESPN's Daniel Oyefusi. Quinshon Judkins is returning this weekend as well from a one-game absence due to an ankle injury, so Cleveland's backfield is returning to full health after they were forced to rely on Jaleel McLaughlin and Audric Estime in their Week 6 win over the division-rival Baltimore Ravens. While the 22-year-old Sampson will not be a recommended starting fantasy RB this weekend in his return from IR, he will be in play as a waiver-wire consideration now that he is healthy, at least as a handcuff for Judkins' managers. The former fourth-rounder from Tennessee had 65 carries for 175 yards and no touchdowns in 15 games as a rookie in 2025, adding 33 receptions for 271 yards and two touchdowns on 40 targets through the air. Sampson's abilities as a pass-catcher make him a more attractive RB stash in point-per-reception formats. He is rostered in under 10% of Yahoo leagues.
Oct 24, 2026 8:47 AM EST
Not Enough Production to Go Around for Dylan Sampson
Cleveland Browns running back Dylan Sampson (knee) is listed as questionable for Week 7 against the Tennessee Titans, and he appears unlikely to carve out a significant fantasy role in his immediate return from injured reserve. The Browns' rushing attack has still experienced a variety of growing pains this season, and there likely aren't enough carries or rushing yards to go around for both Sampson and Quinshon Judkins to contribute as top-36 running backs in fantasy football. Judkins remains the undisputed No. 1 option on the ground in Cleveland, so Sampson should be the odd man out from a fantasy perspective. While he does offer unparalleled pass-catching upside for the Browns, the 22-year-old faces plenty of uncertainty about his volume and the value of the touches that he earns. He should be avoided in all fantasy football leagues this week.
Oct 23, 2026 9:52 PM EST
Dylan Sampson Questionable but Expected to Play in Week 7
Cleveland Browns running back Dylan Sampson (knee) is questionable for Sunday's Week 7 matchup against the Tennessee Titans, according to Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN. Head coach Todd Monken is optimistic about Sampson's availability after the second-year back missed five consecutive games with a knee injury suffered in the season opener. Sampson returned to practice last week and was limited Wednesday and Thursday, but has not yet been activated from injured reserve. If cleared, he could contribute as a pass-catching complement to Quinshon Judkins (ankle), who is set to return after missing Week 6. Sampson caught 33 passes for 271 yards and two touchdowns as a rookie in 2025, although his uncertain initial workload makes him a deep-league PPR stash rather than a Week 7 starting option.
Oct 23, 2026 11:12 AM EST
Dylan Sampson Continues to be Limited as his Return Nears
Cleveland Browns running back Dylan Sampson (knee) was listed as a limited participant in practice on Thursday for the second straight day, according to The Cleveland Plain Dealer's Mary Kay Cabot. Sampson is trying to return from a knee injury that he suffered in the season opener, and if he can upgrade to a full practice on Friday, the Browns could officially activate him from Injured Reserve. The Browns should also be getting starting back Quinshon Judkins (ankle) back this weekend after he sat out of the Week 6 win over the division-rival Baltimore Ravens. The 22-year-old Sampson entered the regular season as the change-of-pace RB2 behind Judkins, so he should return to that role upon his activation from IR. Before getting hurt in Week 1, Sampson did not have a single touch on offense. He had 65 carries for 175 yards and no touchdowns as a rookie last year, adding 33 catches for 271 yards and two touchdowns through the air. Sampson is an RB handcuff in deep PPR leagues if you have Judkins rostered.
Oct 22, 2026 1:25 PM EST
Browns Optimistic That Dylan Sampson Will Return in Week 7
Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken said that he is optimistic that running back Dylan Sampson (knee) will be able to come off Injured Reserve and play on Sunday against the Tennessee Titans in Week 7, per ESPN's Daniel Oyefusi. Sampson injured his left knee in the season-opening loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars and has been on IR since, but the 22-year-old appears to be closing in on his return. Meanwhile, 22-year-old Quinshon Judkins (ankle) is also trending in the right direction to play this weekend against the Titans after he was inactive in the Week 6 win over the division-rival Baltimore Ravens on Sunday. Sampson will be a waiver-wire target in deeper fantasy leagues or for managers who are desperate for RB depth, but he is expected to return to a complementary role behind Judkins. The former fourth-rounder in 2025 from Tennessee did not have a single touch before getting injured in Week 1, and he had 175 rushing yards on 65 carries (2.7 yards per attempt) with 33 catches for 271 yards and two touchdowns as a receiver in 15 games as a rookie in 2025.
Oct 21, 2026 8:28 AM EST
Dylan Sampson a Waiver Target Who Could Soon Find a Role in Browns' Banged-Up Backfield
Cleveland Browns running back Dylan Sampson (knee) returned to practice ahead of the team's Week 6 matchup with the Ravens, and while he was ultimately ruled out for what became an important divisional win, he is nearing a return from the knee injury that knocked him out of the season opener and landed him on Injured Reserve. Sampson was limited to only two special teams snaps in Week 1, but after catching 33 of 35 targets as a rookie in 2025, he is expected to reclaim the team's pass-catching role upon his return, making him an intriguing waiver target with matchup-dependent upside. Quinshon Judkins (ankle) missed Sunday's contest with an ankle injury, while fellow second-year player Raheim Sanders (hip) was recently placed on Injured Reserve with a hip injury. Splitting carries evenly, Jaleel McLaughlin was the team's more efficient runner in Week 6 while Audric Estime managed to find the end zone, but neither showed enough to keep Sampson from earning touches once made active.
Oct 20, 2026 9:50 AM EST
Dylan Sampson Ruled Out Against Ravens
Cleveland Browns running back Dylan Sampson (knee) has been ruled out for Sunday's Week 6 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, according to Daniel Oyefusi. Sampson injured his knee in the season opener against Jacksonville and will miss his fifth consecutive game. Cleveland opened his 21-day practice window Wednesday, but he didn't participate until Thursday, when he was limited. Sampson remains on injured reserve despite taking that step toward a return. His absence leaves the Browns with additional concerns in their backfield, as Quinshon Judkins (ankle) is questionable after returning to practice Friday. Raheim Sanders (hip) is also on injured reserve, leaving Jaleel McLaughlin and newly signed Audric Estime as potential options for increased work if Judkins cannot play. Sampson could return as early as Week 7 against Tennessee, although his availability has yet to be determined.
Oct 16, 2026 11:15 AM EST
Dylan Sampson Returns to Practice
One day after being designated to return from Injured Reserve, Cleveland Browns running back Dylan Sampson (knee) returned to practice on Thursday for the first time since Week 1. Starting running back Quinshon Judkins (ankle) has not practiced this week with an ankle injury, and Raheim Sanders (hip) recently landed on Injured Reserve with a hip injury, creating a potential opportunity for Sampson to return to a wide-open backfield. There is no guarantee he will be made active ahead of the team's Week 6 divisional matchup with the Ravens, and a potential snap count could see him splitting time with Jaleel McLaughlin. Still, fantasy managers in a pinch should look for Sampson on waivers and continue to monitor the Browns' injury report.
Oct 15, 2026 9:39 AM EST
Dylan Sampson Returning to Practice on Wednesday
Cleveland Browns running back Dylan Sampson (knee) has been designated to return from Injured Reserve and will practice with the team on Wednesday, according to Mary Kay Cabot of The Cleveland Plain Dealer. Sampson will return to practice this week, but that does not mean he will be officially activated from IR to play in Week 6 against the division-rival Baltimore Ravens on Sunday. Starting RB Quinshon Judkins (ankle) tweaked his ankle in the Week 5 loss to the New York Jets and is up in the air to play against Baltimore, and Raheim Sanders (hip) landed on IR on Tuesday. If Judkins cannot play and the Browns are not ready to activate Sampson, Jaleel McLaughlin and Audric Estime would be the next men up in the Browns' backfield against Baltimore. The 22-year-old Sampson is merely a deep-league bench stash for RB depth. He did not have a single touch on offense in the 34-10 Week 1 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars before getting hurt and landing on IR.
Oct 14, 2026 8:09 AM EST
Browns Could Open Dylan Sampson's Practice Window This Week
Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken said that there is a "possibility" that the team opens running back Dylan Sampson's (knee) 21-day practice window this week to return from Injured Reserve, according to Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN. Sampson has missed the last four games with a knee injury. Cleveland's backfield depth is being tested with Sampson out and lead back Quinshon Judkins is now day-to-day after tweaking his ankle in the Week 5 loss to the New York Jets on Sunday. Judkins was seen wearing a walking boot after the game on Sunday, and Raheim Sanders (hip) is also questionable for Week 6 against the division-rival Baltimore Ravens after he was injured against the Jets. The only other RB currently on the active roster is Jaleel McLaughlin, so at the very least, McLaughlin could be bumped up to the RB2 role this weekend. If Sampson returns to practice this week, it does not guarantee he will officially be activated from IR and play on Sunday against Baltimore. Sampson did not have a single touch in the Week 1 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Oct 12, 2026 10:45 AM EST
Dylan Sampson's Receiving Upside Makes Him Worth an IR Stash
Cleveland Browns running back Dylan Sampson (knee) is approaching his earliest possible return from injured reserve, making him worth a look for fantasy managers with an open IR spot. Sampson injured his knee on a kickoff return in Week 1 and was placed on IR on Sept. 15, leaving Week 6 against Baltimore as the earliest he can play again. Cleveland has not announced a return timetable, but the potential receiving role makes him interesting. Sampson caught 33 passes for 271 yards and two touchdowns as a rookie, and the Browns have sent 25.2% of their targets to running backs through four weeks, the third-highest rate in the league. Quinshon Judkins remains the lead back, with Raheim Sanders handling much of the complementary work during Sampson's absence. There is no guarantee Sampson immediately takes those opportunities back, especially after missing several weeks. Still, his receiving ability gives him some appeal in PPR leagues, and managers who can afford to wait should consider stashing him before Cleveland gets closer to activating him.
Oct 9, 2026 6:36 AM EST
Dylan Sampson Placed on Injured Reserve With Knee Injury
Cleveland Browns running back Dylan Sampson (knee) is being placed on injured reserve, according to Zac Jackson. The Browns are promoting Jaleel McLaughlin from the practice squad to take his roster spot. Sampson hurt his knee in the first quarter of Sunday's loss to Jacksonville and never returned, finishing the day with two kickoff returns for 64 yards and no offensive touches. Reports Monday indicated he was going to miss significant time, and the move to IR will keep him out for at least four games. Sampson was Cleveland's No. 2 back behind Quinshon Judkins after recording 175 rushing yards and adding 33 catches for 271 yards and two touchdowns as a rookie. Raheim Sanders was already next on the depth chart, while McLaughlin now gives the Browns another option behind Judkins. Sampson can be moved into an IR spot in fantasy leagues while Cleveland sorts out the backup work in his absence.
Sep 15, 2026 11:46 AM EST
Dylan Sampson is Expected to Miss Significant Time with Knee Injury
Cleveland Browns running back Dylan Sampson (knee) was seen using crutches following Sunday's Week 1 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. According to Jeremy Fowler, Sampson is expected to miss significant time due to the knee injury he suffered on Sunday. Fantasy managers will likely need to wait until later in the week for a better timetable. The Browns aren't required to provide any update until the injury report is released on Wednesday. His absence will mean an uptick in value for Quinshon Judkins, while Raheim Sanders figures to handle the backup duties going forward. Fantasy managers should check back later in the week for a better timetable on Sampson.
Sep 14, 2026 6:01 PM EST
Dylan Sampson Using Crutches After Week 1 Loss
Cleveland Browns running back Dylan Sampson (knee) was seen using crutches and wearing a brace on his knee following Sunday's Week 1 loss against the Jacksonville Jaguars, according to Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com. Sampson handled two kick returns, but he didn't log an offensive touch before exiting early in the first quarter. The team ruled him out pretty quickly, and the fact that he was using crutches and a brace after the game indicates that he might have suffered a serious injury. It's tough news for the Browns, who were counting on Sampson to be a pass-catching specialist in the No. 2 running back role behind Quinshon Judkins. Assuming Sampson misses time, Raheim Sanders will step into the backup role. Sanders had one rushing attempt and three catches against the Jaguars on Sunday.
Sep 13, 2026 2:11 PM EST
Dylan Sampson Ruled Out With Knee Injury
Cleveland Browns running back Dylan Sampson (knee) has been ruled out for the rest of Sunday's game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Sampson was injured early in the first quarter and didn't record an offensive touch before leaving. He did return two kickoffs for 64 yards, including a 37-yard return on the opening kick. With Sampson done for the afternoon, Raheim Sanders is the next back up behind Quinshon Judkins.
Sep 13, 2026 9:51 AM EST
Dylan Sampson Questionable to Return With Knee Injury
Cleveland Browns running back Dylan Sampson (knee) is questionable to return against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Sampson entered the game as the primary backup to Quinshon Judkins, so Cleveland could be thinner than expected in the backfield if he can't make it back. Raheim Sanders would be the next man up behind Judkins. For now, Sampson's status is worth monitoring as the game continues.
Sep 13, 2026 9:37 AM EST
Dylan Sampson a Worthy Deep-League Running Back Stash
A fourth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Cleveland Browns running back Dylan Sampson recorded 446 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns on 98 touches across 15 games (two starts). The 21-year-old saw most of his production in the passing game, hauling in 33 catches for 271 yards and two scores on 40 targets. Entering 2026, Sampson remains unlikely to see significant work as a rusher as long as Browns RB1 Quinshon Judkins remains healthy. However, Sampson appears to be the team's clear RB2 and should play a consistent role as Cleveland's top pass-catching back. Heading into his second NFL season, Sampson profiles as an appealing handcuff running back option for fantasy managers with some standalone upside in full PPR scoring formats.
Sep 7, 2026 5:06 PM EST
Dylan Sampson a Handcuff with Pass-Catching Upside
Cleveland Browns running back Dylan Sampson enters the 2026 season as a solid handcuff in fantasy football, but he also has a chance to carve out standalone value with his pass-catching ability. Sampson was limited to just 175 rushing yards across 15 games in his role behind Quinshon Judkins last year, but he made an impact as a receiver with 33 catches, 271 receiving yards, and two receiving touchdowns. Judkins will occupy the lead-back role again this year, but he may not play every down, opening the door for Sampson to get targets specifically on third downs. Plus, if Judkins were to miss any time due to injury, Sampson would step into the lead-back role. As it stands, he's the RB55 in RotoBaller's latest redraft fantasy football rankings. He has an ADP of 168.4, which corresponds to the 14th round and makes him the 53rd running back off the board.
Sep 5, 2026 2:10 PM EST
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