Browns' Running Game Stumbles Again as Sampson Lands on IR

The Browns' Struggling Rushing Attack: A Season in Crisis

When you're looking at the Cleveland Browns' 2026 campaign, it's hard to ignore how much of their success—and failure—hinges on their ability to move the ball on the ground. In their Week 1 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Browns managed a mere 87 rushing yards, a stark contrast to what fans and analysts had hoped for from a team that has been building around its ground game. With just 33 rushing yards on 12 carries, second-year back Quinshon Judkins looked out of sorts in his role as the lead rusher.

"We need to get our run game going. It's not just about passing—it's about balance," said head coach Kevin Stefanski during a post-game press conference, reflecting the team's urgent desire for more consistency.

And yet, it was in the backfield where things took a dramatic downturn. Dylan Sampson, the fourth-round pick from last year's draft, entered this season with high expectations as the primary backup to Judkins. But his night in Week 1 ended abruptly when he suffered a knee injury during kickoff returns, leading to his placement on injured reserve—a devastating blow to a team already struggling to establish rhythm.

Sampson's Injury: A Setback for a Promising Talent

Sampson's arrival in the NFL was met with optimism. He had shown flashes of brilliance during his rookie season, logging 175 rushing yards, 271 receiving yards, and two receiving touchdowns across just 15 games in 2025. That performance, especially in a role that emphasized his versatility as both a runner and receiver, made him an ideal candidate to step up this year. However, the knee injury has forced the Browns into a difficult situation—relying on a backup plan with a player who hasn't yet proven he can fill the void.

The McLaughlin Signings: A Quick Fix or a Long-Term Shift?

In response to Sampson's injury, the Browns immediately moved to bolster their backfield by adding Jaleel McLaughlin to the roster. The move was fast and tactical—after going undrafted in 2023, McLaughlin spent his first three seasons with the Denver Broncos, accumulating over 1,000 rushing yards and contributing in the passing game as well.

• He rushed for 410 yards and one touchdown in his rookie season alone
• His best season came in 2023 when he averaged over 5 yards per carry
• He also showed impressive receiving ability, adding 160 receiving yards and two scores

While McLaughlin was eventually phased out by Denver's younger backs, his experience as a change-of-pace runner and complementary piece is exactly what the Browns need now. With Judkins leading the charge and Sampson sidelined, this could be the perfect opportunity for McLaughlin to prove he still has something to offer at the NFL level.

What This Means for Cleveland's Future

The loss of Sampson adds to a growing list of concerns surrounding Cleveland's offensive identity. While Judkins is still young and raw, he's not yet reliable enough to be counted on as the primary ball carrier—especially with the injury history of key players like his own. The decision to sign McLaughlin is smart, but it also raises questions about how much more this team can rely on backup options before making a major shift.

This season is already shaping up to be one of transition for the Browns, and it's clear they're looking for ways to stabilize their core. The running game remains critical—not just for offensive balance but also for controlling time of possession and keeping defenses off-balance. The next few weeks will tell us whether McLaughlin can step in and fill that role or if Cleveland's ground attack is destined to remain a weak link.

A Test of Resilience

As we watch the Browns battle through another difficult early season, it's easy to feel discouraged. But there's always hope in a team that can bounce back from adversity, especially one with players like Sampson and McLaughlin who are still developing. If Cleveland is going to compete in 2026, they need to find their rhythm quickly—and starting with the run game might just be the key to unlocking everything else.

So here's what I want you to remember: In football, injuries don't stop progress, but they do test character. For now, we're watching the Browns try to dig themselves out of a hole—on the ground, with their backs against the wall, and with a new name on the roster ready to step up.