Full Breakdown
Browns Place RB Dylan Sampson on Injured Reserve, Add Jaleel McLaughlin
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Core Event: Sampson’s Knee Injury Leads to IR Move
On Tuesday, September 15, 2026, the Cleveland Browns announced that second-year running back Dylan Sampson had been placed on injured reserve after sustaining a left-knee injury while returning a kickoff in the season-opening 34-10 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. The move opens a spot on the 53-man roster, which the team filled by promoting former Denver Broncos back Jaleel McLaughlin from the practice squad.
Background & Context: Running-Back Situation in Cleveland
Cleveland entered the 2026 season with a backfield anchored by rookie Quinshon Judkins, the 2025 second-round pick who was expected to be the primary rusher. Sampson, a 2025 fourth-round selection from Tennessee, was slated as the backup RB2 and a key kick-returner. In the opener, Sampson recorded two kickoff returns (averaging 32 yards) before the injury forced him out in the first quarter. With Sampson unavailable, second-year Raheim “Rocket” Sanders assumed return duties, posting a 74-yard return that set up a field goal.
Data & Statistics
- Dylan Sampson – 2025 rookie season: 175 rushing yards on 65 attempts, 271 receiving yards on 33 catches, 2 receiving touchdowns (15 games). Career totals match rookie numbers.
- Jaleel McLaughlin – Four NFL seasons (2023-2026) with Denver: 226 rushes for 1,093 yards (4.8 ypc), 3 rushing TDs; 59 receptions for 263 yards, 4 receiving TDs. Height 5-7, weight 187 lb; will wear No. 38.
- Raheim Sanders – In the Jaguars game, 74-yard kickoff return; averaged 43.3 yards on three returns overall.
- Team rushing output vs. Jaguars: 87 total rushing yards (QB Deshaun Watson led with 38 yards).
Official Statements & Responses
Coach Todd Monken highlighted the early-game impact of the opening kickoff return, saying the play moved the Browns into field-goal range and “gave us the first points.” He also noted the team’s need to maintain “the explosive part of it” despite two holding penalties on kickoff returns.
The Browns’ front office confirmed Sampson will miss a minimum of four games and could be eligible to return before the team’s home matchup with the Baltimore Ravens in mid-October. The organization added McLaughlin to the active roster to provide depth at running back and special-teams return duties.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I'm just being where my feet are really, and just when my name get called, just be ready,” — Raheim Sanders, running back
What’s Next
Sampson is slated to miss at least four games, making him eligible to return for the Browns’ Week 6 home game against the Ravens. In the interim, the coaching staff is expected to increase Raheim Sanders’ involvement in both the running and return games while evaluating Jaleel McLaughlin’s fit in the backfield. Further roster moves may occur if additional injuries arise or if the team seeks to bolster the offensive line and special-teams units.