Should I Start Dylan Sampson?

Friday, October 9, 6:36 AM

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.