From Newsweek · Rowan Fisher-Shotton · · 1m 20s
Browns lose Dylan Sampson, add Jaleel McLaughlin
Cleveland’s run game stumbled in Week 1, then lost its RB2 to injured reserve.
In brief
Cleveland’s run game stumbled in Week 1, then lost its RB2 to injured reserve. The Browns are trying to patch a thin backfield by replacing injured pass-catching back Dylan Sampson with Jaleel McLaughlin’s speed. Originally reported by Newsweek.
Run game stalled
Cleveland needed its rushing attack to steady Week 1 against Jacksonville. Instead, the Browns managed 87 rushing yards in a 34-10 loss.
“finished with just 87 total rushing yards”
Judkins could not carry it
Quinshon Judkins, expected by many to break out, had 33 yards on 12 carries plus 17 receiving yards. Deshaun Watson led the team with 38 rushing yards.
“pegged by many as a potential breakout candidate”
Sampson lands on IR
Dylan Sampson hurt his knee Sunday after returning a couple of kickoffs. Cleveland placed the second-year running back on injured reserve Tuesday.
“officially placed him on injured reserve”
McLaughlin gets the call
The Browns filled the roster spot with Jaleel McLaughlin, a former Broncos back who went undrafted in 2023 and spent three seasons in Denver.
“the Browns added Jaleel McLaughlin to the roster”
A receiving loss
Sampson entered as the RB2 behind Judkins after a rookie year built on pass-catching, with 271 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns in 15 games.
“impacting the game primarily as a pass-catching back”
Speed for Cleveland
McLaughlin brings 1,093 career rushing yards, a 4.8 yards-per-carry average, and open-space burst. He gives Cleveland another backfield option next to Judkins.
“an explosive, change-of-pace back”
The headline
The Browns are trying to patch a thin backfield by replacing injured pass-catching back Dylan Sampson with Jaleel McLaughlin’s speed.
