In the Cleveland Browns’ Week 6 win over the Baltimore Ravens, the Browns played without a single running back who went through training camp with the team or started the season on the roster. Cleveland’s top three backs, Quinshon Judkins, Dylan Sampson, and Raheim Sanders, were all sidelined with injuries.
The Browns were still able to pull out a win, and they will be welcoming back Judkins and Sampson for their Week 7 game against the Tennessee Titans.
Judkins was removed from the injury report on Friday after practicing in full. The Browns then officially activated Sampson off injured reserve on Saturday.
The Browns have activated RB Dylan Sampson from injured reserve and placed G Teven Jenkins (back) on IR. Sampson will make his return after a 5-game absence.
— Daniel Oyefusi (@DanielOyefusi) October 24, 2026
Cleveland also elevated DT Sam Kamara from the practice squad; this is his third and final elevation. In addition, S…
With their top two rushers back on the field, fans will be hoping that they can bring some much-needed production. While Judkins needs to get going in the traditional run game, Sampson is set up to step into a big role upon his return to the lineup.
That’s the role of a heavily targeted pass catcher.
Dylan Sampson could be a big receiving threat for the Browns going forward
Sampson, a speedy back, really flashed his abilities as a pass catcher during his rookie season in 2025. The running back caught 33 passes for 271 yards and two touchdowns, showing how dynamic of a weapon he could be.
Unfortunately, he was injured early in Cleveland’s season opener this year, so he hasn't had a chance to contribute this season. Based on how the offense has looked through six games, that should change going forward.
For better or worse, quarterback Deshaun Watson has frequently targeted running backs this season — sometimes by design, other times as a check down. Judkins has 18 receptions on 20 targets, Sanders has 11 catches on 12 targets, and Jaleel McLaughlin has been targeted six times, catching four passes.
Sampson will step right into that role, starting on Sunday against the Titans. Considering how dynamic he’s proven to be with the ball in his hands, his pass catching could be an element that goes a long way for the Browns' offense.
In his first NFL game, Week 1 of last season, Sampson caught eight passes for 64 yards against the Cincinnati Bengals. The running back is also responsible for Shedeur Sanders’ first career passing touchdown, taking a screen pass 66 yards for a score.
Against the Tennessee Titans last year, Sampson caught five passes for 64 yards.
If he’s ready to contribute that kind of production in his return to the field on Sunday, Cleveland’s offense would be better because of it.
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