Browns Place Running Back Dylan Sampson on Injured Reserve

Roster Moves in Cleveland

The Cleveland Browns have had to make roster adjustments after losing running back Dylan Sampson to a knee injury. The team announced on Tuesday that they have officially placed Sampson on injured reserve. This roster move comes after Sampson suffered a knee injury during the team's very first game of the regular season.

Sampson was hurt while returning a kickoff during Cleveland's season opening loss against the Jacksonville Jaguars. To fill the newly opened spot on the active 53 man roster, the Browns signed running back Jaleel McLaughlin from their practice squad.

Impact on the Offense

Due to being placed on injured reserve, Sampson is now set to miss at least the next four games of the season. If his recovery goes well, he will be eligible to return to the field for the Browns' Week 6 home game against the Baltimore Ravens.

Losing Sampson is a tough blow to Cleveland's depth in the backfield. The rookie was a fourth round pick in the 2025 draft. He earned a key role quickly, opening the season as the primary backup to starting running back Quinshon Judkins. Sampson was also trusted as one of the top kick returners on the roster.

When Sampson went down, the Browns had to rely heavily on Raheim Sanders. As a second year player, Sanders was the only other running back on the active 53 man roster at the time. Sanders had to step up and fill Sampson's role on both offense and special teams once Sampson was sidelined during the game against the Jaguars. Now, McLaughlin will join the active roster to help fill the void left by Sampson's injury.

What it means for the next game

Cleveland Browns at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (NFL, Sun, 20 Sep): Tampa Bay Buccaneers win 78%, Cleveland Browns win 22%; projected score Tampa Bay Buccaneers 25, Cleveland Browns 16. Our safest pick: Buccaneers to win.