Browns Could Get Help For Their Struggling Run Game Soon

The Cleveland Browns’ running game has been underperforming all season. Without quarterback Deshaun Watson making plays with his legs, they would not have exceeded 100 yards on the ground in any of their five games.

The struggles are highlighted by Quinshon Judkins, who has yet to average 4.0 yards per carry in any game this year. While he does not seem to be in danger of losing his starting job, Cleveland could use some more contributing depth at the position.

According to insider Chris Easterling of the Akron Beacon Journal, the Browns could get help for their struggling run game soon, as Dylan Sampson is in line to return to practice from injured reserve.

“Browns coach Todd Monken said there’s a possibility they’ll open RB Dylan Sampson (knee) window to return from IR this week,” Easterling posted.

#Browns coach Todd Monken said there's a possibility they'll open RB Dylan Sampson (knee) window to return from IR this week.

— Chris Easterling (@ceasterlingABJ) October 12, 2026

Sampson was injured returning a kickoff in the first quarter of the season opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Coming off a productive rookie season, he was projected to be the pass-catching backfield complement to Judkins in head coach Todd Monken’s offense.

That plan had to be put aside, and the Browns have turned to Raheim Sanders to fill that role. He has 11 receptions on 12 targets for 74 yards in limited action. By comparison, Judkins has 18 receptions on 20 targets for 102 yards in five games, after posting just 26 catches on 36 targets for 171 yards in 14 games last year.

Judkins suffered a serious right leg injury that ended his 2025 season, and he tweaked that ankle in the 17-12 loss to the Jets, leaving his status for Week 6 against the Baltimore Ravens in doubt. Sanders left the game on Sunday in the fourth quarter with a hip injury, which means Jaleel McLaughlin could be their only healthy running back on the 53-man roster.

Sampson has reached the four-game minimum for injured reserve. When his practice window is opened, Cleveland will have 21 days to either activate him or he will revert to season-ending IR.

Based on the current state of the Browns’ running game, they likely want him back as soon as possible, so it is something to keep a close eye on going forward.