Dylan Sampson
Running Back
Dylan Sampson News
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
Dylan Sampson Can be a Receiving Outlet for Veteran QB
Cleveland Browns running back Dylan Sampson remains in the No. 2 spot on the depth chart, but he should still carve out a role this season as a key pass-catching option for veteran starting quarterback Deshaun Watson. Sampson had 33 catches for 271 receiving yards (and just 175 rushing yards) as a rookie last year. For the most part, he operated behind fellow rookie Quinshon Judkins and mostly saw the field on passing downs. Judkins is expected to be the lead back once Week 1 comes around, so the big question is whether Sampson can have enough involvement to get on the weekly fantasy radar. It's not as simple as Judkins getting the early downs and Sampson getting the passing downs, as the former is a very capable pass catcher, and the latter does earn some carries from time to time, too. For now, Sampson has a little bit of RB3/flex appeal in deeper full-PPR leagues, but in all other formats, he's a better fit as a handcuff for fantasy managers who already have Judkins on their roster. Sampson is the RB53 in RotoBaller's latest half-PPR and full-PPR draft rankings for the 2026 fantasy football season.
Aug 26, 2026 8:52 PM EST
Dylan Sampson a Top Handcuff Despite Browns' Question Marks?
Cleveland Browns running back Dylan Sampson possesses value in redraft leagues despite his role as the backup to Quinshon Judkins. Sampson could have some standalone value as a pass-catching option behind Judkins, but more importantly, he's a top handcuff running back in fantasy football. Sampson had at least 10 carries in each of the three games that Judkins missed last year, and he was even more impactful in the passing game with 4.7 targets per game that Judkins missed. We're not very high on the Browns' offense with Deshaun Watson or Shedeur Sanders under center, but Sampson could still become a volume-based RB2 option if Judkins were to miss time in 2026. He currently has an ADP of 162, which lines up with the 14th round of fantasy drafts and makes him the 52nd running back off the board. That's in line with the experts' opinions on Sampson, who ranks as the RB55 in RotoBaller's latest redraft rankings for 2026.
Aug 16, 2026 6:14 PM EST
Dylan Sampson's Handcuff Case Is Not That Simple
Cleveland Browns running back Dylan Sampson has a clear role behind Quinshon Judkins, but fantasy managers should not assume every Judkins touch would fall to him. Sampson was much better as a receiver than a runner during his rookie year, catching 33 passes for 271 yards and two touchdowns while managing only 175 yards on 65 carries. Jerome Ford is gone, which leaves Sampson as the leading passing-down option in the backfield. That gives him some standalone value in deeper PPR leagues. The handcuff case is less straightforward. Judkins returned to full work during the offseason after recovering from a dislocated ankle and fractured fibula, and Cleveland still has 6-foot, 230-pound Raheim Sanders for heavier carries. The Browns also added fullback Michael Burton as Todd Monken installs more gap concepts and short-yardage looks. RotoBaller ranks Sampson RB53 in PPR and RB52 in half-PPR. He is worth a late pick in deeper formats, especially for managers looking for catches from the back end of the roster. Just do not draft him expecting a three-down role if Judkins misses time.
Aug 6, 2026 10:13 AM EST
Dylan Sampson Has Quiet Buy-Low Appeal for Dynasty Rebuilders
Cleveland Browns running back Dylan Sampson gave dynasty managers almost nothing as a runner during his rookie season. He finished with 175 yards on 65 carries, an average of 2.7 per attempt. The receiving work was harder to dismiss. Sampson caught 33 of 40 targets for 271 yards and two touchdowns, opening the year with eight catches for 64 yards and later taking a screen 66 yards for a score against Las Vegas. Cleveland did not add another back in the draft, leaving the 21-year-old as the leading complement to Quinshon Judkins. There is no lead-role opening right now. Judkins was a full participant by OTAs and minicamp after recovering from the ankle dislocation and fractured fibula that ended his rookie season. Still, Sampson does not need to replace him to matter. A steady passing-down role could be enough in deeper PPR formats, especially if the new staff finds more ways to get him into space. RotoBaller ranks Sampson as the dynasty RB54. Contenders may want a safer weekly option, but rebuilders can reasonably pursue him as a low-cost bet on his receiving ability.
Jul 20, 2026 12:16 PM EST
Dylan Sampson a Sneaky Redraft Sleeper Entering 2026?
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 as a rookie. The 21-year-old did the majority of his damage as a receiver out of the backfield, as he finished with more receiving yards (271) than rushing yards (165). Entering 2026, Browns running back Quinshon Judkins (ankle) will likely block Sampson from seeing significant early-down and goal-line work. However, Sampson profiles as the unquestioned RB2 in Cleveland following the offseason departure of veteran back Jerome Ford. Between his handcuff appeal and standalone value in PPR-scoring leagues, Sampson may be undervalued by current redraft ADP as the 53rd running back off the board.
Jun 29, 2026 12:10 PM EST
Dylan Sampson Carries Dynasty Upside Despite Current Place on Browns' Running Back Depth Chart
Across 15 games as a rookie in 2025, Cleveland Browns running back Dylan Sampson recorded 446 yards from scrimmage and two touchdowns on 98 touches. While fellow Browns rookie Quinshon Judkins (ankle) emerged as the team's clear lead rusher, Sampson established himself as a pass-catcher out of the backfield by hauling in 33 receptions for 271 yards and two scores on 40 targets. Cleveland did not make any notable additions to its running back room over the offseason and let veteran back Jerome Ford walk in free agency. As a result, Judkins and Sampson appear to be locked in as the Browns' top two rushers for 2026. As long as Judkins fully recovers from the ankle injury that ended his 2025 season and remains healthy in 2026, Sampson's production upside is limited. Still, Sampson carries dynasty handcuff appeal and could offer some standalone value in PPR-scoring formats if he continues to dominate passing-down work. Fantasy managers may want to consider attempting to buy low on Sampson ahead of his second NFL season.
Jun 5, 2026 8:30 AM EST
Dylan Sampson in a Good Spot After NFL Draft
Cleveland Browns running back Dylan Sampson led the team in targets and receptions out of the backfield as a fourth-round rookie in 2025, and his role appears to be secure heading into his second season. After double-dipping at the position last year, the Browns made no additions to the running back room in the 2026 NFL Draft, though they did make improvements to the offense as a whole, which could create more scoring opportunities for both Sampson and 2025 second-round pick Quinshon Judkins, who appears to be on track for the season opener after suffering a dislocated ankle in Week 16. Cleveland spent the ninth overall pick on offensive tackle Spencer Fano before adding wide receivers KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston within 15 picks of one another in the first and second rounds, transforming a position of weakness into one of potential strength. The Browns still head into 2026 with a less-than-ideal quarterback situation, though negative game scripts could work in the favor of Sampson if he's able to fully take hold of the dedicated passing back role, and at RotoBaller's dynasty RB51, he offers clear upside as a low-cost trade target or add-on to a larger deal.
Apr 28, 2026 5:50 AM EST
Dylan Sampson a Candidate for Standalone Value in 2026?
Cleveland Browns running back Dylan Sampson was mostly overshadowed by Quinshon Judkins last season, but the former did flash significant upside when he got on the field. Sampson had eight catches for 64 receiving yards when Judkins missed Week 1, and he finished the year with the 23rd-most receptions among running backs despite playing just 23.2% of the offensive snaps. Judkins suffered a dislocated right ankle last December, and while he should be ready for the 2026 season opener, Sampson would be in line for a large role if he's not ready to go. Even if Judkins does have a clean bill of health, Sampson could carve out standalone value given his impact as a receiver. He profiles as a third-down back who could be a low-end RB3/flex in PPR leagues, and he would jump to the RB2 tier if Judkins misses time.
Apr 4, 2026 6:47 PM EST
Dylan Sampson Set to be Pass-Catching Backup RB in Cleveland
Cleveland Browns running back Dylan Sampson was much more effective as a pass-catcher than as a traditional RB in his first year in the NFL in 2025. Sampson played in 15 games (two starts) and had 175 carries and no touchdowns on 65 rushing attempts (2.7 yards per carry). As a pass-catcher, he caught 33 of 40 targets for 271 yards and two touchdowns. The 21-year-old fourth-round selection out of the University of Tennessee figures to have a similar role in 2026 as a pass-catching specialist behind starter Quinshon Judkins. Sampson should have a slightly bigger role as well with Jerome Ford out of town, but in a Browns offense that could once again struggle given their less-than-ideal situation at quarterback, Sampson will mostly be a late-round handcuff option for Judkins' managers in single-year PPR leagues. Sampson is a bit more attractive in dynasty/keeper leagues as a hold for depth purposes.
Mar 16, 2026 5:38 PM EST
Dylan Sampson's Value Capped by Supporting Cast
Cleveland Browns running back Dylan Sampson spent most of his rookie season as the team's primary receiving back, but following a late-season injury to fellow rookie Quinshon Judkins, he was given the opportunity to serve as Cleveland's lead back for the final two games of 2025. Unfortunately, playing behind an offensive line that struggled throughout the year to open running lanes or keep a revolving door of quarterbacks off the ground, he finished those two games with only 59 yards on 21 carries. With Judkins' status uncertain for the beginning of 2026, Sampson will likely get first crack at primary duties yet again, but unless Cleveland is able to drastically overhaul their offensive line in year one under new head coach Todd Monken, the bulk of his value will still come through his passing work. Sampson will look to improve on his 33 receptions as a rookie, but given his current surroundings, he is not a player who needs to be aggressively pursued.
Feb 11, 2026 9:49 AM EST
Dylan Sampson Has Flex Appeal in Favorable Week 18 Matchup
Cleveland Browns running back Dylan Sampson returned from calf and hand injuries that sidelined him for two games in Week 17 and recorded 27 yards from scrimmage on 14 touches against the Pittsburgh Steelers. With Browns running back Quinshon Judkins (leg, ankle) on Injured Reserve, Sampson should have a chance to lead his team's backfield once again in Week 18 against the Cincinnati Bengals. Cincinnati has been one of the NFL's worst rush defenses in 2025, ranking 30th in the league in yards per carry allowed (5.2) and 32nd in runs of 20 or more yards allowed (19). Sampson will likely split touches with Browns backs Raheim Sanders and Trayveon Williams in Week 18, which limits his ceiling. However, Sampson has recorded 10 receptions for 123 yards and a touchdown on 12 targets across his last four games, which provides a relatively safe PPR floor. Fantasy managers should view Sampson as a low-end flex option in Week 18 against Cincinnati.
Jan 3, 2026 12:12 PM EST
Dylan Sampson Maintains Waiver-Wire Appeal Despite Poor Week 17 Showing
Cleveland Browns running back Dylan Sampson returned in Week 17 after a two-game absence due to calf and hand injuries, recording 27 scrimmage yards on 14 touches against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Despite his inefficient day against the Steelers, Sampson could be in line for a more productive Week 18 in an easier matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals. With Browns running back Quinshon Judkins (ankle, leg) suffering a season-ending injury in Week 16, Cleveland split backfield touches in Week 17 between Sampson, Raheim Sanders, and Trayevon Williams. Sanders led Browns running backs in snap share, but Sampson earned more touches (14) than Sanders and Williams combined (11). If Sampson remains the leader of the Cleveland backfield committee in Week 18, he should post better results. Fantasy managers in leagues with 12 or more teams should consider targeting Sampson on the waiver wire heading into the final week of the regular season.
Dec 29, 2025 10:30 PM EST
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