Who Should I Start? MarShawn Lloyd or Dylan Sampson

Thursday, October 23, 12:57 PM

Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur said last week that running back MarShawn Lloyd (hamstring), who has been on Injured Reserve for the first seven weeks, was getting closer to practicing. However, the team still has not designated Lloyd to return from IR, and he has not resumed practicing with the team as they prepare this week for a Sunday night battle with the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 8. Perhaps Lloyd will have his 21-day practice window opened next week, but even then, he wouldn't be a lock to make his 2025 debut in Week 9 against the Carolina Panthers. There have been rumors that the Packers are making calls ahead of the trade deadline on RBs, so maybe Lloyd isn't as close to a return as the Packers are leading on. The former third-rounder has been a major bust for the Packers so far due to injuries, playing in just one game since the start of last year.

Monday, October 27, 12:40 PM

Cleveland Browns rookie running back Dylan Sampson is worth a look on the waiver wire in fantasy football this week after fellow rookie RB Quinshon Judkins (shoulder) was forced out of the Week 8 loss to the New England Patriots and did not return. Sampson ended up playing a season-high 46% of the offensive snaps while carrying the ball three times for no yards in the 32-13 blowout loss. However, the 21-year-old also caught five of his six targets in the passing game for 29 yards. Both Sampson and Ford should have bigger roles in Cleveland's backfield if Judkins misses additional time, but the fact that the Browns are going into their bye in Week 9 should make fantasy managers temper their waiver-wire bids for Sampson. Sampson's eight touches were the most he had seen since the regular-season opener. If Judkins isn't ready in Week 10 against the New York Jets, Sampson should lead the team's backfield.